UDAIPUR — Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa on Thursday described the projects developed at the Navlakha Mahal Cultural Centre in Udaipur as "centres of patriotism," saying they preserve the legacy of India's freedom fighters and inspire future generations.

During his visit to the heritage complex located in Gulab Bagh, Bairwa toured several exhibits, including the Rashtra Mandir (Temple of the Nation), Aryavarta Art Gallery, Sanskar Veethika, Suresh Chand Deendayal Gupta Mini Theatre, and Rashtronnayak Gallery.

He praised the Rashtra Mandir project, developed with the support of philanthropist Rajiv Gulati, son of the late industrialist and philanthropist Mahashay Dharampal, for featuring lifelike silicone statues of India's freedom fighters. The gallery also documents their lives and contributions to the nation's independence.

Bairwa said the initiative highlights the sacrifices of many lesser-known revolutionaries whose contributions have largely remained absent from mainstream history. He commended Ashok Arya, president of the Shrimad Dayanand Satyarth Prakash Trust, and his team for bringing their stories to the public.

The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the historical significance of Navlakha Mahal, noting that social reformer Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati authored his landmark work, Satyarth Prakash, during his stay at the palace. He said the reformer wrote more than 30 books during his lifetime, with Satyarth Prakash being one of his most influential works.

Calling the site an important center of the Arya Samaj movement and a place of historical importance, Bairwa urged people to visit the complex at least once.

Udaipur Member of Parliament Dr. Mannalal Rawat said Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati made significant contributions not only to social reform but also to India's freedom movement. He noted that tribal leader Govind Guru, who led the historic Mangarh movement, was a disciple of Dayanand Saraswati and received his guidance at Navlakha Mahal.

Rawat said the site has gained international recognition and has been included in the Rajasthan government's list of tourist destinations. He pledged continued support for its development.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajasthan Cooperative Cell President Pramod Samar said he has been associated with the site since it was handed over to the Arya Samaj and described it as a place of peace and spiritual reflection.

Former BJP Udaipur Rural President Bhanwar Singh Panwar called the heritage complex unique and inspirational.

The visiting dignitaries were welcomed with traditional Mewari turbans and ceremonial scarves by Trust President Ashok Arya and members of the organization.

Speaking on the occasion, Arya said Navlakha Mahal originally served as the guest house of the Mewar rulers. At the invitation of Maharana Sajjan Singh, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati stayed there for more than six months, during which he composed Satyarth Prakash.

Arya said the building had later been used as a warehouse by the Rajasthan Excise Department before being leased to the Arya Samaj by the Rajasthan government for 99 years in 1992. At the time, the structure was in a dilapidated condition.

He said the government required the Arya Samaj to develop the property into a grand memorial dedicated to Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. With the support of donors, the trust restored and transformed the complex into a cultural and heritage center that has since earned international recognition.

Recognizing its historical and cultural importance, the Rajasthan government has included Navlakha Mahal in the state's official list of tourist attractions.

Several trust officials, Arya Samaj representatives, volunteers and staff members were also present during the visit.