Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that modern India draws strength and pride from recognising its ancient past and rich cultural traditions, underlining the country’s deep civilisational roots.
Addressing the 104th Foundation Day celebrations of Bhupal Nobles’ University in Udaipur, named after Maharana Bhupal Singh Ji of Mewar who founded the institution in 1923, the senior BJP leader highlighted India’s enduring contributions to global knowledge systems, spanning science, medicine, mathematics, grammar, philosophy, and ethics.
“Today’s India takes pride in its past. Today’s India respects its traditions and honours its rich cultural heritage. The land of India has given birth to scholars such as Charaka, Sushruta, Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Madhava, Panini, Patanjali, Nagarjuna, Pingala, Maitreyi, Gargi, and Thiruvalluvar,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister also paid tribute to Maharana Bhupal Singh Ji of Mewar, describing him as not merely a ruler but a visionary educationist and a committed patriot. He noted that Maharana Bhupal Singh established key institutions, including the Hindu University in Chittor, an Agricultural College in Udaipur, and several schools, with a special focus on girls’ education.
“Friends, this institution has been named after Maharana Shri Bhupal Singh Ji of Mewar. He was not just a ruler; he was also an educationist. He established the Hindu University in Chittor, an Agricultural College in Udaipur, and many other schools,” Singh said.
“He also set up several schools dedicated to girls’ education. Because of his efforts, literacy in Mewar increased tenfold,” he added.
Singh further highlighted Maharana Bhupal Singh Ji’s role during the integration of princely states after Independence, recalling that the ruler had unequivocally declared, “I am with India,” when the merger process was underway.
“By 1940, due to his efforts, literacy had increased tenfold—this was a major achievement. Maharana Bhupal Singh Ji was also a true patriot. When the question of merging 565 princely states into India arose after Independence, he stated clearly, ‘I am with India.’ For him, commitment to ‘India First’ always remained paramount,” the Defence Minister said.
Maharana Bhupal Singh ruled the princely state of Mewar (Udaipur) from 1930 to 1948 and later served as the first Rajpramukh of Rajasthan from 1948 until his death in 1955.
Singh also spoke about the Maharana’s respect for bravery and patriotism, noting that he would share meals with individuals whose ancestors had fought against the Mughals and sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
“To honour their courage, Maharana Bhupal Singh Ji would dine with people whose ancestors had fought and laid down their lives for Mewar and the nation. This reflected his deep respect and gratitude towards those brave warriors,” Singh said.
Drawing a parallel, the Defence Minister said the armed forces follow a similar tradition through the ‘bada khana’ (community meal), adding that he makes it a point to join soldiers during such occasions.
“In our armed forces, there is also a tradition of bada khana. Whenever I visit my soldiers, I join them in these meals. It gives me an opportunity, in an informal setting, to break protocol, interact directly with soldiers, understand their lives closely, and learn about the conditions of their families,” Singh said. (ANI)
