Explained: How Are Smiling Buddha And PM Narendra Modi’s Operation Sindoor Speech Related?
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on May 12, and spoke at length about the India-Pakistan's growing tensions. But why did he choose this specific day? Read on to know more.
Operation Sindoor was India’s strong response to terrorism. The neighbouring country, Pakistan, retaliated, but India was vigilant in its response. After both countries agreed to a ceasefire, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed the nation. On May 12, the PM appeared on our TV screens at 8 PM and spoke at length about India’s answer to terrorism going forward. But why did he choose the day of Buddha Purnima? Read on to know more about it.
The Smiling Buddha Connection: Explained
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, chose the day of Buddha Purnima to deliver a strong message on India’s stand against terrorism. But did you know that 51 years ago, it was the same day when India successfully tested its first nuclear bomb under the governance of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. But there’s more. The message that was used to let the PM know about the successful detonation of the nuclear bomb was, ‘The Buddha Is Smiling’. The day May 18, 1974, went down in Indian history.
Years later, Narendra Modi chose the day of Buddha Purnima, but his message was not all about peace. He delivered a clear message to Pakistan and firmly stated that India would not take any kind of ‘nuclear blackmail’ when it comes to precisely targeting the terrorists. Narendra Modi also added that Pakistan needed to destroy the terrorist infrastructure, as there was no other way to achieve peace. Our Prime Minister ended his speech on a stronger note by wishing everyone on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, and a line which reads, “The path of peace also goes through power.”
For the unversed, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s BJP-led government also chose the festival of Buddha Purnima to test the nuclear bombs and the operation was also called ‘Buddha Smiles Again’. The tests were conducted on May 11, 1998, at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Also Read: Alia Bhatt Pens Moving Tribute To Army Heroes After Operation Sindoor, “Soldiers Who Will Never…”
Every citizen is also very proud of the armed forces working on land, water and air for our safety.
First Published: May 13, 2025 12:11 PM
