17 newborn girls named 'Sindoor' in UP to honour Indian Army's anti-terror operation

In a wave of patriotic sentiment following India's bold military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, 17 newborn girls in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, have been named "Sindoor" in honour of Operation Sindoor. The Indian Army launched the operation on May 7 to target terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir.

The symbolic name has gained traction among families whose children were born on May 10 and 11 at Kushinagar Medical College. The operation’s name has resonated deeply with citizens, especially women who view it as a tribute to the sacrifice of families affected by terrorism.

Archana Shahi, a local resident, said naming her daughter "Sindoor" was an emotional decision. “After the Pahalgam attack, so many women lost their husbands. Operation Sindoor was a powerful response. To us, this word is no longer just a tradition—it’s strength,” she explained. Her husband, Ajit Shahi, added that they had finalised the name even before the baby was born.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Madan Gupta, whose family also chose the name to remember the military response that followed the killing of 26 civilians in Kashmir. Another parent, Vyasmuni, said he hoped his daughter would grow up to live by the ideals symbolised by the name.

Operation Sindoor was India’s direct response to the brutal April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where gunmen opened fire on tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadow, leaving dozens dead or injured. The Army’s swift retaliation has not only made headlines but also inspired personal tributes, as seen in these naming decisions.