Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the contribution of freedom fighters to India’s independence is unforgettable and the land of Lucknow is unique in this regard as the state was the epicenter of the first war of independence of 1857.
Martyr Mangal Pandey gave the call for freedom in Barrackpore. Dhan Singh Kotwal led it forward in Meerut. In Jhansi, Maharani Lakshmibai led it as an immortal warrior. In Bithoor, Tatya Tope strengthened that wave, he added.
Yogi also mentioned about Begum Hazrat Mahal who, he said, is remembered as an immortal warrior of the first war of independence. She, along with immortal warriors like warrior Uda Devi Pasi, drove out the foreign invaders. Warrior Uda Devi is not only an inspiration for women’s empowerment, but for every Indian.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, unveiled the statue of Veerangna Uda Devi Pasi, an epitome of valor, sacrifice, and self-respect, on her martyrdom day here on Sunday. He also addressed the Pasi Swabhiman Diwas.
CM Yogi Adityanath recounted how Veerangna Uda Devi, in order to shake the foundations of foreign rule and respond to oppression, climbed a peepal tree in Sikandarbagh, Lucknow, on November 16, 1857, and killed 36 British soldiers. Her name has become immortal in history. Veerangna Uda Devi’s sacrifice sends oyut a message that if the injustice is great, the resistance should be even greater. She guided the country’s revolutionaries and youth to fight against injustice.
CM Yogi said the double-engine government in UP, under the guidance of PM Modi, is honouring heritage. Kashi Vishwanath Dham was built in Varanasi, and the temple of Lord Ram was built at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. He said he attended the events at Maharaja Bijli Pasi Fort. “Our government has approved the beautification of the fort and the installation of light and sound systems so that the current generation could learn about and draw inspiration from the history of all the warriors of this region (Maharaja Lakhan Pasi, Satan Pasi, Cheeta Pasi, Bijli Pasi, Raja Gangabaksh Rawat, Veera Pasi). Along with restoring these old forts, the government is making them a center of inspiration for the youth and the current generation.
He said that the state government has also made the contribution of every revolutionary, martyr, and son of Mother India part of the curriculum. An additional book has been made available to children in the Basic Education Council. Curriculum has been expanded at the local, regional, and state levels, enabling the current generation to learn about great men in different grades.
He recounted hoiw the British isolated Indian society to cut it off from the mainstream because of the call for revolution. Castes cut off from the mainstream of society become backward, a similar situation occurred with the Scheduled Castes and Pasi communities. The double-engine government is working on a war footing to build a memorial and cultural center for Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in Lucknow. Scholarships for research and higher education for Scheduled Caste students are also being arranged here.
CM Yogi said that the state government is working with full commitment to the safety, respect, and self-reliance of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Respecting women and uplifting the underprivileged is the goal of the double-engine government , he said the brave women Uda Devi, Avanti Bai, and Jhalkari Bai remind us that women power is powerful. The double engine government will work with full commitment to honour those who have dedicated themselves for the independence of India and the protection of the country in independent India and for the self-reliance of the present generation.