Maharana Pratap: Pioneer of India’s Struggle for Swaraj and Self-Respect

Udaipur, (Mohsina Banu} Governor Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde said that Mewar is the land of those who are ready to sacrifice everything for the nation. History testifies that whenever external invasions came from the west, Mewar stood firm as the sentinel of the country.

Governor Bagde was addressing a symposium held on the eve of Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Jayanti at the Kumbha Auditorium in the Pratap Gaurav Kendra National Pilgrimage on Wednesday evening. He stated that from Bappa Rawal to Maharana Pratap and subsequent rulers, the foreign invaders were driven away to protect the nation. Maharana Pratap’s entire life is an inspiration for the struggle for self-respect. His contribution to protecting the nation’s pride will be remembered for generations to come.

The event began with the welcome of Governor Bagde and other dignitaries by the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Committee president Prof. Bhagwati Prakash Sharma, secretary Mahavir Chaplot, and others by adorning them with the traditional Mewari pagdi and shawl, along with presenting a commemorative memento of Maharana Pratap. The guests also paid floral tributes to the statue of Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap. Posters of the year-long programs proposed to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the Battle of Haldighati were unveiled. Prior to the event, Governor Bagde viewed the panorama on Maharana Pratap’s life at the Pratap Gaurav Kendra campus. The director of the Gaurav Kendra, Anurag Saxena, gave detailed information about the facts displayed in the panorama.

Distortion of History by Foreigners
Governor Bagde pointed out that early Indian history was written by foreigners and contains many false facts. He refuted the popular tale of the marriage between the Amer princess and Emperor Akbar, noting that Akbarnama, Akbar’s autobiography, makes no mention of it. He also dismissed the claim that Maharana Pratap wrote a treaty letter to Akbar as entirely misleading. Pratap never compromised on his self-respect. History tends to teach more about Akbar than Maharana Pratap, but the situation is gradually improving. The new National Education Policy aims to inspire the younger generation to cherish their culture and glorious history while advancing in all fields.

If Shivaji and Maharana Pratap Were Contemporaries, the Scenario Would Be Different
Governor Bagde remarked that Maharana Pratap and Shivaji Maharaj epitomize patriotism. Although there is a 90-year gap between their births, if they had been contemporaries, the picture of the nation would have been very different. Both are equally revered for their bravery and patriotism. Shivaji Maharaj’s Bhonsle dynasty itself traces its lineage to the Sisodia clan of Mewar. To honor Maharana Pratap’s valor, his equestrian statue has been installed in Sambhajinagar.

Maharana Pratap: Pioneer of India’s Struggle for Swaraj
Chief speaker and editor-in-chief of Organizer newspaper, Prafull Ketkar, said Maharana Pratap is the pioneer of India’s struggle for Swaraj (self-rule) and self-respect. This very struggle was the foundation of the 1857 revolt. Veer Savarkar wrote six pages on the struggle for the nation’s pride, one of which focused on Mewar’s struggle. He emphasized that institutions like Pratap Gaurav Kendra are essential to keep this spirit alive and celebrate Maharana Pratap’s Jayanti. Ketkar also addressed the misleading narratives spread about Maharana Pratap’s fight for Mewar’s pride. He said that even today, some people question the historic Operation Sindoor despite videos being available through modern technology. Similarly, false statements about the Battle of Haldighati are not surprising. Pratap had to face internal conflicts then, and such issues persist even today.

Ketkar highlighted that Maharana Pratap not only enhanced Mewar’s prestige through his battlefield heroics but also preserved and promoted its art, culture, and literature as a skilled administrator amid struggles. He stressed that while much is marketed today under Mughal architecture, Mewar’s architectural heritage should be taught more widely. Exhibitions of Chavand’s paintings should be organized so that new generations appreciate their glorious heritage.

Others Present at the Event
The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MPs Madan Rathore and Chunnilal Garasiya, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Manalal Rawat, former Assembly Speaker Shantilal Chaplot, former UAET chairman Ravindra Srimali, social worker Chandragupt Singh Chauhan, along with numerous intellectuals and distinguished citizens.