Vidyapeeth Pays Tribute on the Eve of Maharana Pratap’s 485th Birth Anniversary

Udaipur – On the eve of the 485th birth anniversary of the revered Maharana Pratap, a floral tribute was offered on Wednesday at his equestrian statue located at the Maharana Pratap Sports Ground of Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Pratapnagar.

The tribute ceremony was graced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. S.S. Sarangdevot, Chancellor Bhawarlal Gurjar, Ramkrishna Goswami, National President of the Character Building Institute (New Delhi), DYSP Dr. Chetna Bhati, Peeth Sthavir Dr. Kaushal Nagda, Registrar Dr. Tarun Shrimali, Pratap Singh Jhala, and senior journalist Mahesh Sharma. Staff members from all three campuses participated in the tribute.

Haldighati War was a Battle of Freedom vs. Imperialism – Prof. Sarangdevot

A seminar titled “Maharana Pratap – National Security, Teacher Consciousness, and Gita Science” was held at the IT auditorium. Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shiv Singh Sarangdevot remarked that there was a time when talking about Maharana Pratap's ideals in Mewar was considered a crime. It was in such difficult times, on 23 June 1926, that Pandit Shivnarayan Sharma initiated the tradition of celebrating Maharana Pratap’s legacy under the banner of the Pratap Sabha.

Prof. Sarangdevot emphasized that the Battle of Haldighati was essentially a struggle between freedom and imperialism. Maharana Pratap advocated for human rights, religious harmony, and world peace, and his teachings must be carried forward to build a crime-free society. He added that studying the Gita is crucial to walk the path of Karma Yoga. Pratap is remembered for his self-respect, patriotism, and valor, having renounced his kingdom for the cause of freedom.

Maharana Pratap – A Global Symbol of Human Rights – Ramkrishna Goswami

Ramkrishna Goswami stated that along with education, today’s youth must be instilled with a sense of national consciousness and human rights. With rising crime and division in society, Mewar's example becomes more relevant. During Mughal rule, Maharana Pratap became a pioneer in defending human rights. His inclusive army comprised people from all communities. Thousands of Mewar women embraced jauhar to uphold the dignity of freedom.

He further stated that Pratap learned the Rajdharma of politics and the wisdom of the Gita from his mother, Jevanta Bai, which further deepens Mewar’s responsibility to spread these values among today’s youth.

Other Key Highlights:

Chancellor Bhawarlal Gurjar, presiding over the event, said Pratap never accepted subjugation and remained committed to protecting dharma throughout his life.

Chief speakers Mahesh Sharma and Pratap Singh Jhala emphasized that Pratap is the pride of Sanatan Dharma and will remain immortal as long as the Earth exists.

Dr. Chetna Bhati, DYSP, presented Pratap’s life through a heartfelt poem, highlighting Mewar’s legacy of sacrifice and heroism through figures like Meera, Panna Dhai, and Hadi Rani.

The session was moderated by Dr. Harish Chaubisa.

Dignitaries Present:

Floral tributes were offered by Prof. Jeevan Singh Kharkwal, Prof. Saroj Garg, Prof. Avneesh Nagar, Prof. Manju Mandot, Dr. Paras Jain, Prof. I.J. Mathur, Dr. Kala Munet, Dr. Bhawanipal Singh Rathore, Dr. Dhamendra Rajoura, Dr. Dilip Singh Chauhan, Dr. Ami Rathore, Dr. Sunita Murdia, Dr. Amiya Goswami, Dr. Dinesh Shrimali, Dr. Lalaram Jat, Dr. Sapna Shrimali, Dr. Manish Shrimali, Dr. Kul Shekhar Vyas, Ashish Nandwana, Umrao Singh Ranawat, Dr. Sanjeev Rajpurohit, Dr. Shahid Hussain Qureshi, Private Secretary K.K. Kumawat, Jitendra Singh Chauhan, Dr. Yagya Ameta, Dr. Hemant Sahu, Dr. Aparna Shrivastava, and other deans, directors, and staff members of Vidyapeeth.