The week-long foundation day celebrations of the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad commenced with great fervor in Gorakhpur on Thursday. The event's 2025 edition was formally inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, marking the beginning of a series of programs dedicated to the legacy of the institution.
Inaugural Address Highlights True National Service
Delivering the keynote address as the chief guest, Lieutenant General Yogendra Dimri (Retd), Vice-Chairman of the UP State Disaster Management Authority, delivered a powerful message. He stated that establishing educational institutions rooted in Indian values during the era of British colonial rule was an act of "true national service."
He urged the students present to draw inspiration from the life of the great Rajput warrior, Maharana Pratap. Lt Gen Dimri highlighted the king's exemplary courage, his profound sense of equality, strict discipline, and his unwavering commitment to his principles.
Patriotism Beyond the Battlefield
Expanding on the idea of patriotism, the retired General explained that love for the nation is not confined to acts of bravery on the borders. "Patriotism is reflected in honest work, environmental protection, public welfare, and responsible citizenship," he told the gathering. He emphasized that students receiving an education from the Parishad were fortunate to be imbibing these core values from a young age.
Reflecting on history, Lt Gen Dimri pointed out that when colonial influence heavily dominated public life, institutions like the Banaras Hindu University (founded in 1916) and the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad (established in 1932) stood out. They courageously upheld Indian ethos and cultural identity. He paid rich tributes to the founders of the Parishad—Mahant Digvijay Nath, Mahant Avaidyanath, and current CM Yogi Adityanath—as well as the educators who continue to strengthen this legacy of nationalistic education.
Drawing Lessons from History and Scripture
Connecting the past to the present, the speaker reflected on Maharana Pratap's fierce resistance to the Mughal empire, noting that the Rajput king remains a timeless symbol of sacrifice and resilience for the entire nation.
Encouraging students to participate fearlessly in all competitions, Lt Gen Dimri offered crucial life advice. He framed failure not as a setback but as "a step towards success," invoking the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to support his perspective. His address served as a motivational guide, blending historical pride with practical philosophy for the young minds in attendance.
