Ahimsa is the supreme Dharma—but violence for protecting Dharma is justified

“Ahimsa Paramo Dharma?”—this is only half the verse.

- RAKESH SHARMA

The complete shloka reads: “Ahimsa Paramo Dharma?, Dharma Himsa Tathaiva Cha”—non-violence is the highest virtue, but violence undertaken for the protection of righteousness is considered even greater.

This perfectly encapsulates the current tension and near-war situation between India and Pakistan.

Another episode from the life of Lord Krishna comes to mind in this context. Shishupal, a king who habitually insulted Krishna, was forgiven a hundred times due to a vow Krishna had made to his mother. But the moment Shishupal hurled his 101st insult, Krishna released his Sudharshan Chakra and beheaded him.

On the night of May 7, India seemed to channel that very Sudharshan Chakra through its S-400 air defense system—neutralising nearly 60 drones, several missiles, and three fighter aircrafts launched by Pakistan even before they could reach Indian soil. The imagery of divine retribution could not have been more vivid.

Prime Minister Modi, during his 11 years in office, has given Pakistan countless chances to mend its ways. But Pakistan repeatedly mistook India’s patience for weakness and continued to provoke with reckless arrogance. As the saying goes, “Even if you keep a dog’s tail in a pipe for twelve years, it will still come out crooked.”

But Modi is no ordinary leader—he is like a political sage, stoic and resolute, with an unshakable commitment to the nation, a true Pratham Sevak.