“A Tradition of Love and Respect Unites a Nation, Strengthening the Bond between Jawans and their Sisters”
In a heartwarming display of gratitude and solidarity, Vadodara’s esteemed school teacher, Sanjay Bachhav, continues an annual tradition that transcends distances and fosters deep connections between the nation’s guardians and its citizens. This year, an astonishing 55,000 Rakhis have been sent to the Indian Army jawans who stand unwaveringly on the frontlines, ensuring the safety of our nation.
This poignant campaign, which began nine years ago, has not only brought together diverse states and countries but also united the souls of countless individuals who wish to express their appreciation for the sacrifices made by these selfless heroes.
Amidst the celebratory air that envelops festivals across India, the soldiers stationed at remote borders are often away from their own families, diligently safeguarding the country’s integrity. Recognizing the solemn duty of these valiant warriors, Sanjay Bachhav initiated this exceptional campaign nearly a decade ago. His simple yet profound gesture of sending Rakhis annually has evolved into a remarkable display of solidarity, where each thread carries not only the artistic touch of affection but also heartfelt messages from sisters and mothers, embodying their hopes and prayers.
“The seeds sown in a classroom have blossomed into a nationwide phenomenon, as Rakhis and messages pour in from states and countries around the globe. This year, we are humbled to send out 55,000 Rakhis, including 5,000 in carefully curated boxes, to jawans posted at critical locations like Kargil, Siachen, Drass, Batalik, Galwan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. Our mission is to envelop them in the warmth of family bonds, reminding them that even as they stand guard, our hearts stand united,” shared Sanjay Bachhav, the venerable Senior English Teacher at Baroda High School Bagikhana.
The resonance of this campaign is undeniable, evident in the heartwarming tokens of love that have arrived from 14 states across India and an equal number of countries. Students, dedicating themselves as volunteers, meticulously treat each Rakhi as a cherished sister’s embrace. With utmost care, they pair each Rakhi with heartfelt messages, sealing them within tricolour boxes that bear the jawans’ names and mobile numbers. These boxes, carrying sentiments of kinship and gratitude, are then dispatched by post to the soldiers stationed at the aforementioned challenging terrains.
Niyati Gandhi, an alumnus of the school and a steadfast contributor to this campaign, feels a sense of immense pride in her association with this heartfelt endeavor. She has been a part of this movement since her 11th standard, and her dedication remains unwavering.
“From its inception in a classroom to its growth into a cherished tradition, I take immense pride in my journey. Currently pursuing B.Sc in Chemistry at MSU Baroda, I crafted 30 to 35 Rakhis this year. My heartfelt greetings go out to the jawans who tirelessly protect our borders, a gesture imbued with sisterly love and familial well-wishes,” Niyati Gandhi expressed.
Drashti Joshi, a pharmacy graduate, and former student, embraced this noble campaign in 2016, and this year, she has sent out 300 Rakhis to the soldiers. Her involvement is a testament to the enduring impact of the campaign, bridging the divide between soldiers and citizens, and creating a sense of kinship that extends far beyond geographical boundaries.
This movement has, at times, led to heartwarming phone calls from the jawa
ns, expressing their appreciation and even sending tokens of gratitude to their newfound sisters. The students, central to this mission, meticulously prepare and package the Rakhis, ensuring each sentiment reaches its destination. Beyond the threads, these messages carry prayers for their well-being, good health, and unwavering strength in the face of challenges.
In this era of connectivity and unity, Sanjay Bachhav’s heartening initiative has not only fortified the bond between soldiers and citizens but has become a beacon of love that radiates across borders. The ‘Heartfelt Bonds Beyond Borders’ campaign symbolizes the essence of humanity, reminding us that even in times of separation, love, and compassion can unite us, creating a tapestry of support that stretches across the nation and beyond.
