On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan being celebrated across India today, Shanti Udke, sister of late police constable Rajesh Gaikwad, who died during a search operation in 2014, tied a ‘rakhi’ to his statue. She reportedly does so on every Raksha Bandhan since his demise.
Gaikwad was killed by Naxals on March 11, 2014 when he was posted in Sukma’s Tongpal area.
While speaking to ANI, Udka said, “I shared a very special relationship with my brother. He was posted in Tongpal. However, he passed away during a search operation in 2014. I feel bad that I can’t tie a Rakhi to him in person, but I’m proud of him. He was my only sibling.”
President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, took to Twitter to wish the country people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan by saying, “I wish all the countrymen on the occasion Raksha Bandhan. I hope the festival would strengthen the feeling of brotherhood amongst us and would inspire us to become a society where women, especially girls are safe and their dignity is respected”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too followed suit.
Celebrations galored across the country as Raksha Bandhan was celebrated amidst much love and affiliation among brothers and sisters. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi too were tied ‘rakhis’ by children.
Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tied a rakhi to Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu too. Naidu greeted the nation and spoke about the occasion while saying, “I convey my warm greetings and best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Rakshabandhan. The Festival reaffirms the strong bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters. It promotes and strengthens unity and harmonious coexistence.”
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