Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv on Wednesday, November 17, in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. In his address to the crowd at Mukt Kashi Manch, the union minister said, "We are connected to the Gaurav Gatha of India, as well as the Amrit Mahotsav of independence."

Praising the Queen of Jhansi, Rajnath Singh remarked, "The contribution of Maharani Laxmibai in India's first freedom struggle is incomparable. When the princely states were kneeling one after the other in front of the British, then Queen Lakshmibai had clearly said that 'I will not give my Jhansi.”

“Maharani Laxmibai lost her loved ones at a very young age, lost her child and even lost her kingdom but she never lost her honour, self-respect. This feeling was ingrained in her which set her on the pinnacle of bravery. The heroism of Rani Laxmibai had given a new dimension to women's power. She had re-awakened the power of women."

Several people in our society believe that women are weak, but they should learn from the sacrifices of Maharani Laxmi Bai, Anvati Bai, and Jhalkari Bai that really made a difference."

He mentioned, "When Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had formed the Azad Hind Fauj, he also formed a Rani Laxmibai Regiment in 1942. Bose also believed that the freedom struggle is incomplete without the participation of women that make half the population." 

The BJP leader said women had not been allowed to engage actively in national defence after independence. But now the situation is rapidly changing. Especially since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken over the country's reins, the number of women participating in every force is on the rise.

According to him, when he was the home minister of the country, I made an advisory to all states that women should be given 33% representation in security forces. Women are now more prevalent in police forces and paramilitary forces.

Singh added, "Now, every closed door is being opened for women in the army as well. We have increased the participation of women in all three wings of the defence forces. Girls are also being given admission in Sainik Schools. India's most prestigious military training institute National Defence Academy, located in Pune, has also been opened for women. You all will be surprised to know that in the last few days, about two lakh girls from all over the country have appeared for admission in NDA."

The Union Minister while mentioning the efforts made by the Government, said, "I am happy to say that because of all the efforts by the government, our country has progressed very fast on the path of 'self-reliance'. Whatever programmes are going to happen in the coming days, they are going to present this changed meaning of freedom in front of us. With the joint efforts of the Government and the industry, we should not only achieve the goal of 'make in India' but also 'make for the world', which is an important resolution related to the defence of this country. We will accomplish this."

Rajnath Singh commended Uttar Pradesh's Yogi-government for maintaining law and order and curbing mafia raj. The goon mafia is either giving up bullying or leaving the state.

Image source: ANI