Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

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📍 The Question

Operations undertaken by the Indian Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas, including addressing their basic needs, is called:

(a) Operation Sankalp
(b) Operation Maitri
(c) Operation Sadbhavana
(d) Operation Madam

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✅ Correct Answer: (c) Operation Sadbhavana

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Internal Security | Civil–Military Relations | Army Civic Action Programmes | Border Area Development

This question tests awareness of Army-led civic action initiatives, frequently asked in Polity + Internal Security + Current Affairs overlap.

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

Operation SADBHAVANA (meaning Goodwill) is a long-running civic action programme of the Indian Army, aimed at winning hearts and minds of people living in remote, border, and conflict-prone areas.

It is most prominently implemented in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, though similar models exist elsewhere.

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🪖 Key Features of Operation Sadbhavana

Under this operation, the Indian Army undertakes non-military welfare activities, such as:

• 🏫 Army Goodwill Schools in remote areas
• 🛣️ Infrastructure Development Projects
• 🎓 Education Tours for children
• 👩‍💻 Women Empowerment & Vocational Training Centres
• 🧶 Skill training like:
  • Pashmina shawl weaving
  • Wool knitting
  • Apricot oil extraction
  • Yak cheese making
• 🧠 “Kargil Ignited Minds” initiative for girl students preparing for competitive exams

Focus areas include:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Skill development
• National integration
• Sports & youth engagement
• Ecology and environment

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❌ Why other options are incorrect

• Operation Sankalp ❌
  → Related to maritime security and protection of Indian interests in the Persian Gulf
• Operation Maitri ❌
  → India’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission (e.g., Nepal earthquake)
• Operation Madam ❌
  → Not related to civic action or welfare programmes

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📊 Final Assessment

Operation	Primary Purpose
Sankalp	Maritime security
Maitri	Disaster relief
Sadbhavana	Army-led civic welfare & goodwill ✅
Madam	Not applicable

👉 Correct answer: (c) Operation Sadbhavana

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🧩 Prelims Memory Hook

“SADBHAVANA = Soldiers + Schools + Skills + Smiles”

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🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

Where the Army builds schools and trust, borders become stronger than fences.