The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that, “Our history books have done injustice to our heroes. Our history has been manipulated and doctored, created a monopoly of few that they gained us independence. It is unbearable pain on our conscience. It's a burden on our soul and heart. And I'm sure we have to bring about big change. No better occasion than formation of the first Bharat Sarkar at that point of time in 1915.

Addressing as Chief Guest at the function organized on the occasion of 138th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Raja Mahendra Pratap at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today, Shri Dhankhar underlined that Raja Mahendra Pratap was a born diplomat, a born statesman, a visionary, a nationalist. He said that Raja mahendra Pratap exemplified nationalism, patriotism, farsightedness exhibited by conduct what can be done for the nation.

Expressing his anguish at the non-recognition of unsung heroes of our freedom struggle, Shri Dhankhar said, “ What a travesty of justice, what a tragedy. We are in the 75th year of our independence. We have failed, miserably failed, to recognize such heroic feats of this great man. Our history has not given him the place which he deserves. If you look at the foundations of our independence, we have been taught very differently. Foundations of our independence are built upon supreme sacrifices of the people like Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh and other unsung heroes or not so well-sung heroes.”

“In the year 1932, this great soul of humanity, this great visionary, who rose above ordinary things, because freedom is something which humanity loves. He was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize by N.A. Nielsen. And what was the premise? His role in what Gandhi became famous for, the campaign of Gandhi in South Africa. When I go through the nomination, I will not take time. Please go through it, the personality of the man is reflected in every word”, he added.

Underlining concern over the way of history writing marked by the unfortunate tendency of overlooking certain national heroes, the Vice-President stated, “ We cannot nurture our history by bestowing indulgent, sycophant, credit rating to those who played role, of course but not the role with others played. We cannot allow our heroes to be downsized. Today, we are discussing one of them, it is imperative to present unvarnished historical accounts to ignite patriotic fervor for this generation and future generations.”

Speaking at the event the Vice-President also stressed on the need for the welfare of the farmers to attain a developed country status, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Every time a thought comes to my mind, what do we need to do in independent India so that the achievements of our people are given the proper respect and recognition? The current system is fine, economic progress is tremendous. We have exponential economic upsurge, phenomenal infrastructure growth. Our global image is very high, but as I said, to attain the status of a developed nation by 2047, the precondition is that our farmers have to be satisfied.”

Urging the farmer brothers for resolution of issues through dialogue and discussion, Shri Dhankhar said, “ We must remember that we do not fight with our own people, we do not deceive our own people, we deceive the enemy. Our own people are embraced. How can one sleep when the problems of farmers are not being solved swiftly? I call upon my farmer brothers that the resolution of problems in this country happens through dialogue and understanding. King Mahendra Pratap was known for this approach. Irretrievable confrontational stance is poor diplomacy.

 “We have to be open to solutions, open to discussion because this country is ours, and it is affected by rural backgrounds. I believe that my farmer brothers, wherever they are and whoever is active in any movement, my message will reach their ears, and they will pay attention to it. All of you are more knowledgeable and experienced than I am. I'm sure there will be a convergence of positive energy to bring about the fastest resolution to the problem of farmers”, he added.

Assuring farmers of every possible help while emphasising on the need to move ahead, the Vice-President said, “ We need to reflect. What has happened is in the past, but the path ahead should be right. The creation of a developed India begins from the land of the farmers. The passage to a developed Bharat is through the farmland. The resolution of farmers' issues should happen at a swift pace. If the farmer is troubled, the honor and pride of the nation are severely affected, and this happens more because we keep the words of our hearts to ourselves. On this auspicious day, I make a vow that to resolve the farmers' problems, my doors will be open 24 hours. By doing so, I will contribute to giving a new dimension to freedom, and the soul of King Mahendra Pratap will find peace.”

Questioning inadequate attention given to some of the significant historical events, Shri Dhnakhar said, “ During my visit to Kotra, Udaipur recently commemorating Birsa Munda's 150th birthday anniversary. I gathered friends, a heart-wrenching 1913 Mangar Hill dastardly episode. In that year, 1913, much before Jallianwala Bagh, 1507 tribal people became victim of British bullets. What a carnage! What a dastardly Act! history did not give much recognition to it. I am trying to indicate that such kind of British barbarity, along with the patriotic saga of Maharaja Suraj Mal, Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, why are they inadequately chronicled? Why they don't find space in history? this particular occasion will be a game changer and a milestone.”

Referring to the delay in due recognition and conferment of Bharat Ratna to some of the deserving sons of Bharat, he underscored, “But it was in 1990 that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar got. Why? Why was the delay? Imagine the mindset. I had the good fortune to be a member of parliament and a minister. There was a political shift. And then recently, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Karpoori Thakur. They live in our hearts. They dominate our minds. They believed in the farmer. They believed in rural India. Again, it was my great fortune to be associated with governance as Vice-President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha. These two great souls of Bharat were awarded Bharat Ratna.”

“We have long ignored those who have been our guides. In true sense, they made the highest sacrifice for the country. Tribal Day has now been started to be celebrated. How old was Birsa Munda? Well, better late than never. The Parakram Day was celebrated……King Mahendra Pratap was actually before him [Subhash Chandra Bose], in a way, he was the one who initiated Netaji's Indian National Army. I remember visiting the place in Andaman and Nicobar where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the flag in 1945, and I felt very happy to realize that thirty years earlier, this noble act had been done by King Mahendra Pratap”, he added.

Remembering the contributions of Raja Mahendra Pratap as a Parliamentarian, Shri Dhankhar narrated, “He was a member of parliament. I went through his entire proceedings, and I noticed one very special thing, and I realized how visionary he was and how many things he kept in mind. On November 22, 1957, he brought a proposal in the Lok Sabha, and what was the issue of the proposal? It was that we should honour some individuals. And why should we do that? Because they had made a significant contribution to the country's affairs, in the freedom struggle and otherwise. So, he moved a motion and wanted three gentlemen to be honoured in particular - Veer Savarkar, Virendra Kumar Ghose, who was the brother of Aurobindo Ji, and Dr. Bhupendranath Datta, who was the brother of Vivekananda Ji. What a selection he made!

“Again, what happens with us is the same, but we won’t let it happen anymore. The then government opposed the proposal. Raja Mahendra Pratap was so hurt by this that he had to say, "In protest, I must leave against this decision. I hope every Bengali and every Maratha will walk out. He expressed his pain: "Distinguished audience, honourable members, this poignant moment exemplifies Raja Sahib's steadfast commitment to honour freedom fighters transcending regional and ideological boundaries. Can we do nothing for such a great man? We are not helpless. Let us get together and ensure this great son of Mother Bharat is given due recognition”, he added.

Read full text here : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2079506

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JK/SM