Udaipur, {Dr.Munesh Arora }Thousands of people from across Rajasthan and other parts of the country gathered at Gandhi Ground in Udaipur to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the Haldighati Victory and the 486th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap at the grand Rashtra Chetna Sankalp Sabha organized under the aegis of Pratap Gaurav Kendra, a National Heritage Centre.

Addressing the gathering, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that India's history is not a story of subjugation but one of continuous resistance, courage, and self-respect. He described the Battle of Haldighati as a struggle for national consciousness and cultural identity rather than merely a military confrontation.

Referring to the legacy of Maharana Pratap, Dr. Bhagwat remarked, “Maharana Pratap’s birth anniversary is celebrated across the nation, while Akbar’s is not. History itself provides the answer as to who truly emerged victorious.”
He stated that historical records and contemporary accounts suggest that Mughal forces were forced to retreat during several phases of the battle and remained apprehensive afterward, reinforcing the enduring legacy of Maharana Pratap’s resistance.
Dr. Bhagwat emphasized that Maharana Pratap’s strength came not only from his army but from the united support of society that rose above caste, creed, and regional divisions in defense of the motherland. He urged citizens to draw inspiration from Maharana Pratap’s life and work towards national development, social unity, and cultural pride.
Dignitaries Call for Revival of Historical Truth
The event was graced by Nimbarkacharya Shreeji Shyam Sharan Devacharya, who said the celebration was not merely a remembrance of history but a festival of patriotism, self-respect, and the resurgence of Sanatan culture. He emphasized the need to restore Maharana Pratap’s rightful place in history.
Presiding over the event, Dr. Bhagwati Prakash Sharma, Chairman of the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Committee, called for greater efforts to communicate the historical significance of the Haldighati battle to future generations. He described the battle as a defining struggle to preserve India’s freedom, identity, and civilizational values.
Prominent Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by several eminent dignitaries and public representatives, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Vasudev Devnani, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore, Members of Parliament C.P. Joshi, Dr. Mannalal Rawat, Satish Poonia and Mahima Kumari Mewar, Heritage Conservation Authority Chairman Omkar Singh Lakhawat, Nathdwara MLA and Mewar royal family member Maharana Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, MLAs Surendra Singh Rathore, Tarachand Jain, Phool Singh Meena, Shankar Dhedcha, Arjun Lal Jingar, Shrichand Kriplani and Lalaram Bairwa, along with Nivritti Kumari Mewar of the Mewar royal family. Senior RSS leaders including Arun Jain, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Agrawal, J. Nandakumar, Prakash Chandra and Gajendra Singh, besides saints, social leaders, educationists and vice-chancellors from various universities, were also present at the historic gathering.
Patriotic Fervour Fills Gandhi Ground
The gathering resonated with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” “Jai Shri Ram,” and “Maharana Pratap Amar Rahein.” Renowned folk singer Prakash Mali captivated the audience with patriotic and Maharana Pratap-themed songs, adding to the charged atmosphere.
Visitors were welcomed with tilak made from the sacred soil of Haldighati, while replicas of Kumbhalgarh Fort, Vijay Stambh, and scenes from the Haldighati battle drew significant attention. The event also featured a historical exhibition, medical facilities, eco-friendly arrangements, and a complete ban on single-use plastics.
The grand celebration emerged as a powerful tribute to Maharana Pratap’s legacy and a vibrant expression of patriotism, cultural pride, and national consciousness, inspiring thousands to carry forward the values of courage, self-respect, and service to the nation.