Shahzadpur (Ambala): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday announced the establishment of the Maharana Pratap Singh Study Centre and a dedicated Chair in the name of the erstwhile king at Kurukshetra University (KU). He also announced that the Government Women's College at Baragarh village in Shahzadpur area would be renamed as Maharani Padmavati Government College.
The CM made these announcements while addressing the state-level Maharana Pratap Singh Jayanti celebrations organized under the "Sant-Mahapurush Samman Evam Vichar Prasar Yojana" at Shahzadpur in Ambala district. He also announced a grant of Rs 31 lakh for the construction of a Rajput hostel, the concreting of a drainage channel in Shahzadpur, and Rs 5 crore for development works in the Naraingarh assembly constituency.
Earlier, the CM unveiled a renovated statue of Maharana Pratap Singh at the venue. Vijay Kumar Singh, Governor of Mizoram, attended the event as the chief guest.
CM Highlights Maharana Pratap's Legacy
Addressing the gathering, CM Saini described Maharana Pratap as a symbol of patriotism, courage, and self-respect whose legacy continues to inspire generations. He said Maharana Pratap emerged during a difficult phase in Indian history when injustice and oppression were widespread and Indian culture and religious sentiments were under attack. Saini said Maharana Pratap inherited bravery and valour from Maharana Kumbha and Rana Sanga and set unmatched examples of courage after assuming power in Mewar. Referring to his loyal horse Chetak and elephant Ramprasad, the CM said both became enduring symbols of sacrifice and devotion to the nation and honour.
When Maharana Pratap took charge of Mewar, nearly half of the region had come under Mughal control. Despite years of hardship and nearly two decades spent in forests, he never surrendered and chose to endure extreme difficulties, including surviving on grass bread, rather than compromising his self-respect and freedom, he recalled. The Rajput community has always stood for justice, truth and sacrifice and has contributed immensely to India's history, independence and national security. Maharana Pratap's life teaches that self-respect is the foundation of a living nation and society, he added.
National Security and Inspiration
Referring to national security, the CM said India today is emerging as a strong global power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to 'Operation Sindoor', he said the country's armed forces effectively responded to terrorists responsible for the killing of innocent civilians in Pahalgam.
Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh said Maharana Pratap's life should serve as an inspiration for every Indian. He said people must remain connected to their heritage, culture and religion, and noted that Maharana Pratap always prioritised public welfare over personal comfort. The governor also highlighted Maharana Pratap's military strategies, saying that even Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj adopted similar warfare techniques against enemies. He said Maharana Pratap's life taught resilience, discipline and strategic thinking in difficult circumstances.
Event Highlights and Announcements
The event was presided over by Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, who elaborated on Maharana Pratap's bravery, sacrifices and the historic battle of Haldighati. He said Maharana Pratap, along with 12 generations before him, made immense sacrifices for the country. During the programme, Shyam Singh Rana also presented a ceremonial spear to CM Nayab Singh Saini and sought the establishment of the Maharana Pratap Chair at Kurukshetra University and the renaming of the Badagadh women's college after Rani Padmavati.
The event also featured cultural performances by the Nusrat Khan Musical Group, which presented songs based on the bravery of Maharana Pratap and highlighted development works being carried out under PM Modi and CM Nayab Saini.
