Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Visits Udaipur

Udaipur: Union Defence Minister **Shri Rajnath Singh** visited Udaipur on Friday and attended the **104th Foundation Day समारोह of Bhupal Nobles’ Institution**, operated by the Vidya Pracharini Sabha, as the **Chief Guest**. The event was held at the **BN College Ground**.

Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included **Chittorgarh MP Shri C.P. Joshi**, **Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat**, **Nathdwara MLA and former member of the Mewar royal family Shri Vishvaraj Singh Mewar**, **Salumber MLA Shanta Devi**, social worker **Anil Singh**, along with office bearers of the institution, distinguished guests, faculty members, and a large number of students.

Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that a person is remembered and honored for his deeds. Describing himself as a teacher at heart, he said that he finds special joy in interacting with students. He emphasized the importance of setting clear goals in life and advised students not to lose focus or become discouraged until those goals are achieved.

Calling universities “institutions of institutions,” he described self-reliance as one of life’s greatest achievements and said that strong efforts are being made today to make India self-reliant. He asserted that a strong India can be built only through **education and self-reliance**. He also explained the difference between self-respect and ego, cautioning students that self-respect should never turn into arrogance, as true happiness comes only with humility.

The Defence Minister described **Maharana Bhupal Singh** of the former Mewar royal family as a true patriot whose commitment was always “India First.” During the period of integration, his clear message was, *“I am with India.”* Shri Singh said that modern India takes pride in its glorious past and rich cultural heritage, adding that the land has been a center of great scholars and that India’s ancient knowledge systems have always been highly developed.

Encouraging students to think big and avoid narrow-mindedness, he praised the **National Education Policy**, stating that it promotes India’s cultural and intellectual heritage while encouraging a holistic outlook. He emphasized that teachers have always been held in the highest regard in Indian society and said that only those who learn to bow with humility truly rise in life. He noted that the future of any nation is shaped in the classrooms of schools and universities.

He further stated that the objective of the new education policy is to nurture students who do not fear crises but instead seek solutions. While India’s universities are producing skilled human resources, he stressed that knowledge must be accompanied by humility, character, values, and ethics, as education devoid of morality is of no benefit to society.

Terming **white-collar terrorism** as a serious concern, Shri Singh emphasized the need to adopt innovation and technology in the education system. He remarked that learning must be a lifelong process, as progress stops the moment one stops learning. He added that wisdom is essential for the right use of knowledge, and only those who combine knowledge with discernment can truly contribute to society. Concluding his address, he said that the ultimate goal of research should be to bring meaningful, practical change at the grassroots level. He expressed confidence that in the next 15–20 years, India will become fully self-reliant in defense equipment and will emerge as the world’s **third-largest economy by 2030**.

Earlier, the Defence Minister was given a traditional welcome through captivating cultural performances presented by students of the institution. On the occasion, **Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat** said that Mewar has always been a source of inspiration for the nation and the world. **Chittorgarh MP Shri C.P. Joshi** described Bhupal Nobles’ Institution as a “laboratory of nation-building,” stating that education and security are the backbone of any country. He added that the government is working to shape an ideal and value-based generation and announced that special programs will soon be organized in schools across the state in memory of **Maharana Pratap**.

In his address, **Nathdwara MLA Shri Vishvaraj Singh Mewar** said that books written during the era of Maharana Bhupal Singh reflect strong foundational principles of education, indicating a deep awareness of education even in that period. He also mentioned that the Government of India has taken several important steps to correct inaccurate historical narratives in educational curricula.

During the ceremony, **Lifetime Achievement Awards** were presented to individuals who made outstanding contributions to Bhupal Nobles’ Institution.