Lucknow, Nov 16 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the contribution of heroes and freedom fighters to India’s independence is unforgettable and the land of Lucknow is unique in this regard.
He said that Uttar Pradesh was the epicenter of the first war of independence of 1857. Martyr Mangal Pandey gave its call in Barrackpore. Dhan Singh Kotwal led it forward in Meerut. In Jhansi, Maharani Lakshmibai led it as an immortal warrior. In Bithoor, Tatya Tope strengthened that wave.
The CM also mentioned Begum Hazrat Mahal, saying that she is remembered as an immortal warrior of the first war of independence, who, along with immortal warriors like warrior Uda Devi Pasi, drove out the foreign invaders. Warrior Uda Devi is not only an inspiration for women’s empowerment, but for every Indian.
Yogi Adityanath, along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, unveiled the statue of Veerangna Uda Devi Pasi, an epitome of valor, sacrifice, and self-respect, on her martyrdom day here on Sunday.
He also addressed the Pasi Swabhiman Diwas.
The chief minister said that Veerangna Uda Devi, in order to shake the foundations of foreign rule and respond to oppression, climbed a peepal tree in Sikandarbagh, Lucknow, on November 16, 1857, and killed 36 British soldiers. Her name has become immortal in history. Veerangna Uda Devi’s sacrifice inspires that if the injustice is great, the resistance should be even greater. She guided the country’s revolutionaries and youth to fight against injustice.
He said that the double-engine government in UP, under the guidance of PM Modi, is honoring heritage. Kashi Vishwanath Dham was built in Kashi, and the Lord Ram temple was built at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya.
CM Yogi said that he attended the events at Maharaja Bijli Pasi Fort. “Our government has approved the beautification of the fort and the installation of light and sound systems so that the current generation can learn about and draw inspiration from the history of all the warriors of this region (Maharaja Lakhan Pasi, Satan Pasi, Cheeta Pasi, Bijli Pasi, Raja Gangabaksh Rawat, Veera Pasi). Along with restoring these old forts, the government is making them a center of inspiration for the youth and the current generation.”
Yogi said that the state government has also made the contributions of every revolutionary, martyr, and son of Mother India a part of the curriculum. An additional book has been made available to children in the Basic Education Council. Curriculum has been expanded at the local, regional, and state levels, enabling the current generation to learn about great men in different grades.
He stated that his government has recruited 219,000 police officers in eight years, making 20% women mandatory. The government has also formed three new women PAC battalions in the state. The Lucknow PAC battalion is named after the warrior Uda Devi.
“Our government is working on installing her life-size statue. The battalion in Gorakhpur is named after the warrior Jhalkari Bai Kori and the battalion in Badaun is named after the warrior Avanti Bai Lodhi. These women warriors demonstrated the valor and courage of women in the fight for India’s independence, defeating the British,” the CM said.
Yogi attacked the foreign government and said that they had isolated the society to cut it off from the mainstream because of the call for revolution. Castes cut off from the mainstream of society become backward, a similar situation occurred with the Scheduled Castes and Pasi communities.
The double-engine government is working on a war footing to build a memorial and cultural center for Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in Lucknow. Scholarships for research and higher education for Scheduled Caste students are also being arranged here, he said.
CM Yogi said that the establishment of 109 Sarvodaya schools in 62 districts is complete and underway. All arrangements, including accommodation for students, have been initiated at the government level through the Ashram system of schools. This year is also the birth centenary year of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In his memory, Atal Residential Schools have been constructed in 18 divisions. Arrangements have been made for boarding, lodging, and modern education for children who were left homeless during COVID, as well as for the children of laborers, he said.
The CM said the state government is providing scholarships worth Rs 9,600 crore to over 3,249,800 pre-matriculation students and approximately 9 million post-matriculation students from the Scheduled Castes.
Yogi said the government is also providing coaching for competitive exams in every district under the Scheduled Caste Abhyudaya Yojana.
He said that the state government is working with full commitment to the safety, respect, and self-reliance of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Respecting women and uplifting the underprivileged is the goal of the double-engine government , he said the brave women Uda Devi, Avanti Bai, and Jhalkari Bai remind us that women power is powerful.
The chief minister said the double engine government will work with full commitment to honour those who have dedicated themselves for the independence of India and the protection of the country in independent India and for the self-reliance of the present generation.
