Udaipur: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the younger generation must be connected with the historic legacy of Haldighati and Dewair so that the nation’s confidence in its heritage and identity remains strong.

He was addressing the closing ceremony of the 10-day Dewair Vijay Mahotsav, organised at Pratap Gaurav Kendra ‘Rashtriya Teerth’ under the aegis of the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Committee on Saturday.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Kumbha Auditorium of Pratap Gaurav Kendra, Shekhawat said Indian culture and the Sanatan civilisation possess a remarkable ability to rise again after setbacks. He said this resilient spirit and self-respect had enabled India to preserve its identity despite numerous foreign invasions over the past two millennia.

He described the Battle of Dewair not merely as a military engagement but as a historic symbol of Maharana Pratap’s resurgence and an assertion of the restoration of the region’s sovereignty and dignity.

Shekhawat said that, according to his assessment, the country’s history was presented in a distorted manner during the decades following Independence, and that important episodes associated with Haldighati and Dewair did not receive adequate recognition. He said that preserving historical memory and remembering documented contributions of historical figures are important for strengthening the confidence of future generations.

The Union Minister said that after the Battle of Dewair, Maharana Pratap established a long period of governance in Mewar and contributed to the region’s cultural and social development. He called for greater efforts to remember the historical significance of Dewair Vijay and connect younger generations with the region’s heritage and traditions.

Glorious History of Haldighati and Dewair Was Underrepresented: Deputy CM Dr Premchand Bairwa

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Dr Premchand Bairwa, who attended the event as a special guest, described Maharana Pratap as a symbol of courage, national unity and self-respect.

He said that the history associated with Haldighati and Mewar did not receive adequate representation in the period after Independence. He credited recent government initiatives with bringing greater attention to historical figures, cultural heritage and the country’s historical roots.

Bairwa said Maharana Pratap did not compromise on the honour of his homeland during a difficult period when several rulers were facing Mughal expansion. He said the Battle of Haldighati and Maharana Pratap’s sacrifices continue to be remembered as significant chapters of Mewar’s history.

He added that the Centre and the Rajasthan government were working to bring the stories of historical figures and warriors before younger generations.

Dewair Victory Described as a Transformative Chapter of Mewar’s History

Prof. Bhagwati Prakash Sharma, President of the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Committee, said the victory at Dewair was an important military and historical episode in the history of Mewar.

He highlighted the region’s long tradition of resistance and military achievements, referring to the historical legacy from Bappa Rawal to Rana Hammir’s victory at Chittor in 1326.

Prof. Sharma called for greater recognition of historical chapters that, according to him, have not received adequate representation in mainstream historical narratives and educational curricula.

Street Play ‘Dewair Ka Rann Ghosh’ Staged

Anurag Saxena, Director, Pratap Gaurav Kendra, said the closing ceremony was presided over by Sanjay Singhal, Chairman of Secure Meters Limited and trustee of Dharohar. He described such events as an important medium for introducing younger generations to the historical heritage of Mewar.

The programme began with the presentation of a street play titled ‘Dewair Ka Rann Ghosh’, directed by Amit Shrimali and Amit Vyas. Artists including Meemansa Parsai, Ranjan Kumar Sahni, Jalam Bhardwaj, Manvi Audichya, Neelu Ahari, Archana Sahni, Anjana Suthar, Hansa Meena, Nisha Banjara and Darshika performed in the play and were felicitated.

Art Exhibition Inaugurated

Festival coordinator Raman Sood said the guests inaugurated an art exhibition at the Padmini Auditorium at 4 pm. The exhibition featured paintings created by noted artists during the national painting workshop organised as part of the Dewair Vijay Mahotsav.

The programme was conducted by Dr Devendra Shrimali and Dr Rekha Mahatma.

Winners of Various Competitions Felicitated

Co-coordinator Dr Devendra Shrimali said winners of various competitions were felicitated during the closing ceremony. The state-level speech competition was also held on Saturday afternoon.

In the speech competition, Yuvraj Singh Rathore of Bhilwara secured first place, Rifa Urooj of Jaipur stood second and Sanju Kanwar Rawalot of Bikaner secured third place. Priyanka of Barmer and Mahipal Singh of Sirohi received consolation prizes.

In the college-level essay competition, Pritam Sevak secured first place, followed by Ajay Nagda and Dikshita Kunwar. Naina Wadhwani and Shiv Prakash Verma received consolation prizes.

At the school level, Chetna Kunwar stood first, Khushbu Kunwar second and Shobha Bhoi third, while Divya Sanadhya and Khushi Kumari Sen received consolation prizes.

In the open category of the essay competition, Vishal Paliwal secured first place, followed by Chaturbhuj Gayari, Seema Kumari, Pinky Gayari and Mukesh Teli.

Co-coordinator Harish Rajani said that in the reel-making competition, Yashita Jain secured first place, Akanksha Jain second and Nirmal Nagda third. Rajkumari Suthar and Ajay Nagda received consolation prizes.

In the poster competition, Harsha Soni stood first, Avinash Patidar second and Krish Gunpal third, while Nidhi Bhoi and Kailash Paliwal received consolation prizes.

In the mobile photography category, Divyangana Ranawat secured first place, Yovantraj Maheshwari second and Rimjhim Sharma third. Laxit Lohar, Ajay Nagda and Vishal Singh Shaktawat received consolation prizes. In the camera category, Dr C.P. Jain secured second place.

In the college-level painting competition, Harshita Prajapat, Jagriti Patel, Ajay Lohar, Tarika Mali and Lalit Regar were selected as outstanding participants, while Anjali Shekhawat and Payal Meghwal received consolation prizes.

At the school level, Aaradhya Singh Rathore, Jia Parmar, Akanksha Ragi, Monil Audichya and Krishti Chauhan were selected as outstanding participants, while Vaishnavi Sahu and Pawan Meena received consolation prizes.