As the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the “mini-war” India fought with Pakistan in 2025, falls this week, residents recall days of blackouts and blaring sirens that had shaken the North India and affected day-to-day lives of people for several days.
Several private events planned during those days were abruptly disrupted by panic and uncertainty. One such evening remains etched in the memory of a local resident, Tina Nalwa, who had organised a grand celebration for her 50th birthday on May 8. Around 150 guests were invited, with elaborate arrangements for an evening of dance and dining at a prominent city hotel.
But by 7 pm, rumours of an impending blackout began circulating. “I tried to calm everyone and asked them not to panic, but within an hour, guests started leaving,” Nalwa recalled. “There was so much chaos that the lift was packed beyond capacity. Many did not even wait — they rushed down the stairs.”
The celebration ended almost as abruptly as it had begun, with food left untouched and an atmosphere overtaken by fear. “It’s a day I can never forget,” she said, adding that despite the disruption, she understood the collective sentiments and anxiety that prevailed across the country at the time.
Another homemaker, Teena, said out of panic, she had stocked up rations and necessary articles for the next two months. “Starting from kitchen items to medicines and other articles, we stored so much fearing war could continue for several days,” said Teena. But she appreciated that the common man was least bothered in those days.
Recalling those tense days, Dr Ravindra Vatsayan, a senior Ayurvedic practitioner, said: “Early that morning, my elder son rushed into my room saying India had begun punitive action against Pakistan. I called a few doctor friends, who were already glued to their TV sets. As the operation unfolded live, people hoped India would deal with the menace decisively. Like many others, I felt unsettled when news of an abrupt ceasefire came. A year on, I believe much has been done, but much more remains to be achieved to curb Pakistan’s continued hostility.”
Sanjay Mahindru, owner of Vishal Towers, recalled that the period coincided with Chintpurni Jayanti, which is celebrated in Ludhiana every year. “As responsible citizens, we cancelled all celebrations and instead offered prayers for the nation and our soldiers. The event was held 15 days later, once normalcy returned,” he said.
Appreciating the effectiveness of the precision strikes, Dr GS Grewal noted that normal life remained largely unaffected. “The most remarkable aspect of Operation Sindoor was its accuracy. We followed every development through the media. There was a strong sense of patriotism and many felt the action should continue to teach the enemy a lasting lesson,” he said.
