Yogi Adityanath Honors Maharaja Suheldev's Legacy at Bhartendu Natya Academy Event
In a powerful address during the golden jubilee celebrations of the Bhartendu Natya Academy in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded the historical significance of Maharaja Suheldev's valorous actions against the foreign invader Salar Masud. The CM emphasized that Suheldev not only defeated Masud, who was notorious for destroying the Somnath temple, but also ensured a death so severe that it served as a deterrent for future aggressors.
Defeat of a Notorious Invader
Yogi Adityanath described Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, commonly known as Ghazi Miyan, as a military commander comparable to a mafia don due to his repeated battles against Rajput forces. "Maharaja Suheldev did not merely halt this foreign invader who ravaged the Somnath temple; he inflicted a death so formidable that no one dared to replicate such atrocities afterward," the CM stated.
He detailed that Ghazi Miyan had destroyed four temples, prompting Suheldev to guarantee him a death considered the worst in Islamic tradition. "He was tied to a hot iron griddle and burned alive, a fate viewed in Islam as a direct path to 'jahannum' or hell," Yogi explained. The CM asserted that such decisive actions are necessary to prevent oppressors from undermining Indian culture, adding that Suheldev's bravery ensured no foreign invader threatened the country for 150 years following Masud's demise.
Shift in Public Perception and Memorial Significance
Highlighting a change in local attitudes, Yogi noted that the community, which once overlooked Suheldev, now honors him at his memorial in Bahraich. "Previously, fairs were held at Salar Masood's dargah, and I faced apprehension from local authorities when celebrating Suheldev's legacy as Gorakhpur MP. Today, people visit Maharaja Suheldev's memorial instead," he remarked.
The memorial, inaugurated a year ago, has become a popular destination, symbolizing a renewed appreciation for historical heroes. Yogi urged the culture department to organize theatrical performances to recreate the contributions of iconic warriors, including:
- Rani Lakshmibai
- Avanti Bai
- Jhalkari Bai
- Uda Devi
- Maharaja Bijli Pasi
- Maharaja Mahendra Pratap
He stressed the importance of highlighting the bravery of figures from the First War of Independence through compelling scripts and performances.
Promoting Artistic and Cultural Heritage
Reflecting on Uttar Pradesh's rich artistic traditions, such as singing, instrumental music, theatre, and dance, Yogi announced initiatives to foster cultural education. In Hariharpur village, Azamgarh, a music school has been established to train children, leveraging the community's musical ties. Additionally, the Kabir Academy in Maghar will host programs based on Kabir's couplets.
The CM revealed plans for a three-day event in Lucknow from April 24, focusing on the works of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and suggested organizing theatre events based on the literary contributions of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "Our nation boasts a profound cultural legacy, and we must equip the younger generation to preserve and propagate it," he emphasized.
Global Cultural Connections and Political Oversight
Sharing an anecdote from his visit to Mauritius, Yogi observed that people of Indian origin there cherish the Ramcharitmanas and worship the Ramayan as part of their heritage. He called for efforts to remember great personalities who have been neglected due to political motivations.
"Figures like Maharaja Suheldev, Bijli Pasi, and Rani Lakshmibai have been overlooked because of vote-bank politics," Yogi concluded, underscoring the need to honor these heroes to inspire future generations and safeguard India's cultural identity.
