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Brigadier Govind Singh Sisodia, the fearless Black commando who commanded the NSG assault team during the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack, has another mission under way — encouraging and training the youth of India to be a part of the brave few within the defence services. Being part of Operation Black Tornado which eliminated terrorists inside the Taj Hotel in Mumbai, Sisodia has previously appeared as a commanding voice guiding India's counter-terror strategy.

Detailing India's new security doctrine, Sisodia characterized Operation Sindoor as one of India's best moments when it increasingly assumed the role of tackling terror. In a conversation with defence correspondent Nibedita, he stated, "India's intentions are as clear as daylight," he added. "Operation Sindoor has demonstrated to the world that we have the capability to target terror infrastructure with precision. But these are not indiscriminate strikes — they are a part of a broader message: we will destroy terror support networks wherever they are."

Talking of the allegations made by Pakistani actress Mahira Khan on investigations, Sisodia explained, remembering the post-26/11 scenario, Sisodia referred to the failure of Pakistan in taking action against the masterminds, Hafiz Saeed included. "Even though the investigation indicated Saeed's involvement, Pakistan shielded the terrorists rather than extraditing them. As an Indian, my ego was hurt — sometimes we need to show them a lesson.". Being a military person, we had then probed, I know Pakistan will only learn when shown its place.

Responding to fears of escalation, Sisodia ruled out the possibility of a nuclear war. "Pakistan knows it won't escalate to the nuclear level. One nuclear strike would destroy them, and they know that."

He went openly on the warpath and warned: "Operation Sindoor was a trailer. If Pakistan fails to understand the seriousness of this threat, the next can be aimed at military assets. We are prepared at a war level."

Specifically, Sisodia made sure that the action of India is based on national pride and security rather than an urge for revenge. "The people are proud. We are no longer bargaining bullets and bread — we have upgraded our priorities and there is a change in the power equation."

In an exclusive conversation with defence correspondent Nibedita Speaks, Former Naval Chief Admiral Arun Prakash sheds light on Operation Sindoor, India’s evolving military doctrine, and how the country is leveraging technology to punish terrorism without escalating into full-blown conflict.

Q1: Operation Sindoor has been lauded for its precision and restraint. What does it say about India’s evolving strategy — especially in terms of not crossing international borders?

Arun Prakash (AP):

It shows we’re maturing strategically. The key is to keep the threshold of provocation and violence low. That’s the sensible and responsible thing to do, especially between two nuclear-armed neighbors. More importantly, we’re keeping our assets protected.

The distance and precision of our contemporary weapons — whether air-launched missiles, guided artillery, or drones — say a lot about the technological prowess of the Indian Army. We no longer have to actually cross the border to make a point. Technology enables us to target with precision from afar, protecting our troops and keeping escalation at bay.

Q2: Pakistan has been caught off guard for the third time — after the Balakot and Uri operations. What message is India sending with Operation Sindoor in the context of counterterrorism?

AP:

It's a message of dwindling patience. When a state lets terrorists be trained, equipped, and sent across borders with impunity, it stops being a law-and-order issue — it becomes an act of war in the fullest sense.

Operation Sindoor serves as a notice that we won't accept proxy war under the nuclear umbrella. We've maintained restraint for decades, but today we're reciprocating proportionate force. And we're doing it with professional, strategic, and steadily precise precision.

Q3: With increasing threat of escalation, how should India prepare for expected retaliation? How is Pakistan's internal pressure implicated here?

AP:

Preparation is everything. Pakistan could experience domestic public pressure to respond in some manner, even symbolically. So yes, we have to anticipate some response — that's how the escalation ladder works. The minute you respond militarily, you have to be prepared for the next rung.

That doesn't imply that we cease taking action. But it does imply that we must approach it with measured, level-headed leadership. Escalation can quickly get out of hand, particularly in our part of the world. Mature leadership on both sides is needed to prevent us from sliding into an all-out war.

Q4: Since both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, is there a possibility of international intervention? Can this crisis attract other global powers?

AP:

That's always a danger, particularly if things get out of hand. But it doesn't have to get that far. Indeed, it can — and ought to — stop right here, with Pakistan.

If things do go too far, other great powers will intervene not out of allegiance but due to the nature of nuclear fallout that does not regard borders. Radiation does cross frontiers. A tactical exchange of nuclear fire in South Asia will send shockwaves around the world — quite literally and also diplomatically. And that's why restraint while being decisive matters.

Operation Sindoor is another milestone in India's continuing transition from reactive defense to proactive deterrence. With voices such as Admiral Arun Prakash expressing the delicate balance between action and restraint, India's military thought seems firmly grounded in the 21st century — guided by history, informed by technology, and directed by strategic vision.

History was created in the tiny village of Nizampur, Barabanki, by Ramkeval at a mere age of 15—a boy who carried his dreams on his shoulders and marriage lights on his hands. An individual from his village became the first to clear the Class 10 board exams since independence in India. This was a triumph over adversities.

Coming from a cooking mother and an ordinary wage-earner father, Ramkeval had no money but ambition. By day, he took odd hours—toting torches for wedding processions for Rs 250-300—and by night, he read his school textbook in the dim light of a solar lamp. "Even when I came back home late, I studied for at least two hours every night," he reminisced. "Villagers mocked me, saying that I would never graduate from high school. But I wanted to prove them wrong."

His resolve paid off. At the Government Inter College in Ahmedpur, on the outskirts of Nizampur, Ramkeval not only graduated but gave hope to his 300-something, primarily Dalit, village.

The achievement was observed by Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi, who gave Ramkeval an award and promised to offer all the support for his further studies. District Inspector of Schools O.P. Tripathi hailed his grit: "Ramkeval is an inspiration to others who think education is out of their reach. His success story is testimony to what strong determination and hard work can achieve."

Ramkeval's mother, Pushpa, beaming with pride, announced, "We have always fought, but I never lost faith in my son. Education is our ticket out." His father, Jagdish, was as resolute: "I could not study, but I always encouraged my son to aim higher."

Inspired by his achievement, other students like Lovelesh and Mukesh, who flunked this year, have vowed to study harder next time.

Ramkeval now has more ambitious plans—he wants to become an engineer. "It still feels unreal," he said, "but I know this is just the start."

In an exclusive conversation with Lt. Col Mrinal Kumar Gupta Ray (Retd), a veteran of the 1971 war under Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, we explore the evolving nature of warfare, the critical role of mock drills, and how India’s armed forces are preparing for the uncertainties of modern conflict.

Lt. Col Gupta Ray, a young infantry officer who served in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, says that mock drills are not meant to scare. "Mock drills are for preparation, not to get scared," he says. "They allow us to confront uncertain situations with clarity and confidence."

He gives important advice to civilians during emergency drills:

The siren warns you first. Listen immediately.

Do not stand in front of mansions or trees since they may topple. Instead, find a stable shelter and try it out to see if it is safe before going inside.

Small groups reduce casualties. Staying dispersed helps to save lives.

Retracing how war has come about, Gupta Ray muses, "Gradually, with passing days, we are fighting from far. We do not physically clash anymore. We face less resistance when we fire from a distance. We are going backward to fight forward."

He brings to notice that the Indian Army now works more on occupation and less on destruction. "We do not destroy, we occupy — because land gives us the victory," he explains. The warfield has changed with technology. "Today, satellites provide real-time information; in our time, we had binoculars only. Artillery is driven by advanced technology now," he tells.

Gupta Ray also sheds light on the growing application of artificial intelligence in war. "AI is being used nowadays to minimize casualties and lower human destruction. Technology is helping every day," he adds further.

Approaching the issue of terrorism, Gupta Ray firmly states, "Terrorism today is government-sponsored, backed by sleeper cells. It's impossible for terrorists to hide or travel 1,000 km without local logistics. We must ask: who provides for them? Local complicity and administrative failure are key catalysts."

On Indo-Pak relations, he sends a caustic reminder: "Pakistan has to learn war is not child's play. War cannot be fought with AK-47s — it requires logistics."

Reflecting on his own experience in war, he recollects, "In 1971, under Sam Manekshaw's command, we trained for seven months to fight a war. We had seven months granted by Indira Gandhi. Preparation was of utmost importance."

While India navigates a time of unexpected technological revolutions and geopolitical tensions, Gupta Ray's message is clear: preparedness, adaptability, and judicious use of technology are the foundations of national security.

While the majority of Class 10 students waste time worrying about board exams, 15-year-old Bandaru Pravalika from Konempala village, Andhra Pradesh, had something else preoccupying her mind -- learning new things. Within a year, she finished a whopping 175 certificate courses online via Infosys Springboard.

Pravalika, a student of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Bhimli, discovered the platform during Class 9 due to her school teachers. From robotics and AI to time management and career skills, she learned everything on the platform -- even dedicating 3-8 hours every day just to this.

"I have completed a lot of courses like robotics, time management, skill development, and subject-specific courses," says Pravalika, who secured 557 out of 600 in her Class 10 board exams.

"As I'm a single parent child, I have encountered a lot of situations in life, but when I joined KGBV, I saw a new world," she says.

She's not all books, though. Pravalika is also the vice-captain of her school cricket team and has won state-level medals in tennis ball cricket. Her tale impressed Disney Plus Hotstar, who flew down from Delhi for an exclusive interview. Even Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh congratulated her on her remarkable feat.

SCHOOL SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

"In our KGBV schools, we're not teaching -- we're nurturing our students in all aspects," said ACP sir, one of her schoolteachers.

"Pravalika's success indicates how the system is functioning. She's motivated 18 other students to take more than 100 courses," he added.

The school provides more than classes alone -- from yoga early in the morning to learning support at students' own pace and a daily meal, all the minutest details are thoughtfully arranged.

A BRIGHT FUTURE AND A FREE SEAT

Identifying her ability, Sri Chaitanya Vidya Sanstha has given her a full free seat for her future studies. Pravalika now wants to do BTech in civil engineering and wishes to be a part of the civil services one day.

Through diligent efforts and mentorship, Pravalika has demonstrated that students from small towns can also dream high -- and succeed.

While all boys and girls of the teenager age group are busy establishing their college careers, Morena (Madhya Pradesh) resident Nandini Agarwal has already etched her name on the world map. She was the world's youngest woman chartered accountant (CA) at the age of 19 and proceeded to find a place in the Guinness World Records too for the same.

Having done her 10th board exams at the age of 13 and 12th at only 15. Her desire was ignited when a record-breaker from Guinness World Records came to her school, and she was motivated to aim for something equally record-breaking herself.

Not losing heart, Nandini prepared for the CA course with one-pointed dedication. She achieved rank 1 in CA final exam in 2021 at the age of 19 with record-shattering 614 marks out of a total of 800 (76.75%). She was just 19 years and 330 days old when her result was declared, and she was duly awarded world's youngest lady CA title by Guinness World Records.

It was the support of her family that changed her luck. Her elder brother was also preparing for the CA exam simultaneously, and the two of them would prepare together to a great extent. The two brothers perceived the outcome in such a manner that Nandini topped the previous merit list and her elder brother got rank 18.

She had great difficulties when she was 16 because most firms did not want to offer her an apprenticeship since she was too young. However, her resolve and determination allowed her to overcome such barriers.

Now, CA Nandini’s story stands as a powerful testament to what focused determination and perseverance can achieve. She is an inspiration to countless young people across India, proving that age is no limit when it comes to ambition and achievement.