New Delhi: Rajeev Juneja, vice chairman and managing director of pharmaceutical giant Mankind Pharma, has contributed more than Rs 9.17 crore to the National Defence Fund, days after the one-year anniversary of Operation Sindoor.
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Juneja said the first anniversary was a moment “not only to remember, but to act”.
The total amount—Rs 9,17,91,950—was chosen for its symbolic value, he added, with the number nine representing the nine terror bases targeted by the Indian military on the first day of the operation on 7 May last year, while the remaining digits—17.09.1950—referred to PM Narendra Modi’s birth date.
He described the contribution as “not a one-time gesture but a continued expression of commitment”.
Some actions are meant to be repeated.
This year, I am doing it again. ₹9,17,91,950 towards our Armed Forces.
Not about one act, but ensuring it continues.
Jai Hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/50OyTACiRB
— Rajeev Juneja (@IRajeevJuneja) May 5, 2026
“There are moments when an entire country feels the same emotion at once, not by design or instruction, but instinctively. Pahalgam was one of those moments,” he wrote, referring to the attack and its aftermath.
Appreciating PM Modi’s leadership following the terror attack, Juneja wrote, “There is a profound pride that every Bhartiya carries today, shaped by your clarity of vision, steadfast conviction and decisive leadership in defining moments.”
Juneja had contributed the exact same amount last year as well, calling the act a “small tribute to a leader who inspires a nation”—in reference to Modi.
The loss of 26 lives in Pahalgam was heartbreaking. Yet in tragedy, we saw the strength of Bharat — in our Armed Forces, in citizens ready to do more. Let’s turn emotion into action. Contribute to our nation’s strength: https://t.co/XBsVnEPrn0 #JaiHind #BharatFirst pic.twitter.com/11aoUYSFxI
— Rajeev Juneja (@IRajeevJuneja) May 9, 2025
Like last year, Juneja recalled his family’s history of experiencing Partition and migration from Bahawalpur (in present-day Pakistan). He said the issue carries personal significance for him. “My parents came from Bahawalpur during Partition, and that memory has always stayed with me. When attacks originate from those very regions and our forces respond with strength, it is something I feel deeply and personally”. Terror sites in Bahawalpur were among the locations targeted in Operation Sindoor.
Urging public support towards the Armed Forces, Juneja further wrote that such gestures should not remain limited to moments of crisis. “Supporting our Armed Forces should not be a reaction; it should be a responsibility we carry consistently.”
Also Read: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releases documentary to mark one year of Op Sindoor