Lucknow, 30 Aug (HS): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defense Minister

Rajnath Singh unveiled a magnificent statue of Rani Avantibai Lodhi, a

legendary heroine of the First War of Indian Independence of 1857, at a

ceremony organized by the District Lodhi Kshatriya Rajput Sabha in Lucknow on

Sunday. All guests paid homage to the heroine by laying floral tributes at her

statue.

On this occasion, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said, First of all, I

pay my respects to the brave woman Avantibai Lodhi. I feel very proud to unveil

her statue today. The courage with which she faced the British during the First

War of Independence in 1857 is a glorious chapter in Indian history. She not

only took up arms against the British herself, but also inspired other

surrounding kings and landowners to fight.

The Defense Minister said that Rani Avantibai Lodhi took charge of her

kingdom under extremely adverse circumstances and established a record of good

governance. When the British attempted to deceitfully usurp her kingdom, she

refused to bow down. Our country's brave women have demonstrated their valor on

the battlefield and set new benchmarks of good governance in the kingdom.

Indian women have proven their mettle in every era. Today, Indian women are

demonstrating their capabilities in the military, police, science, sports,

education, administration, and every field. Rani Avantibai's life sends the

message that one should never bow down to injustice. One should never

compromise one's self-respect, at any cost. And when it comes to protecting the

motherland, one should not be afraid to sacrifice everything.

He said that this statue of Rani Avantibai Lodhi is not just a medium to

preserve her memory. It is also a medium to tell the story of her bravery,

self-respect, leadership and sacrifice to the coming generations. Rajnath Singh

said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government

has developed five places associated with Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar as

'Panch Teerth'. From Mhow to Mumbai, from London to Nagpur and Delhi, these places

associated with Babasaheb's life have today become pilgrimage sites of

inspiration.

Rani Avantibai dedicated her life to the country. Now it is our

responsibility to pass on her valor and ideals to future generations. I believe

this statue will serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Indian women are demonstrating their potential in the military, police,

science, sports, education, administration, and every field.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the BJP government believes that India

should recognize and honor its heroes and pass on their legacy to future

generations. It is our endeavor that the stories of valor from the past inspire

confidence in the present and provide guidance for the future.

On this occasion, Union Minister of State BL Verma, Deputy Chief Minister

Brijesh Pathak, Uttar Pradesh Government Minister Dharampal Singh and Minister

of State (Independent Charge) Sandeep Singh, BJP State General Secretary

Shankar Lal Lodhi, Lucknow BJP Metropolitan President Anand Dwivedi and

District President Vijay Maurya were present in the program.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi