Lucknow: Drawing a parallel between the courage displayed by India’s women during Operation Sindoor and the legacy of 1857 freedom fighter Rani Avantibai Lodhi, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the warrior queen’s life remains a timeless symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and resistance against injustice.Addressing a gathering after unveiling a statue of Rani Avantibai in Lucknow, Singh said women pilots and soldiers had played an important role in India’s actions against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir during Operation Sindoor. He described their contribution as a symbol of “new India’s women power” and said women were leading the country in every field.Singh called Rani Avantibai’s role in the 1857 uprising one of the most glorious chapters in India’s history and said the nation could never forget her unwavering devotion to the motherland. He said she displayed extraordinary courage while leading her kingdom under extremely difficult circumstances, and her example continued to inspire the spirit of resistance.Referring to her life story, the defence minister said Rani Avantibai confronted the British at the age of 27 and, despite adverse circumstances, took charge of her state and set an example of good governance. When the British tried to seize her kingdom through deceit, she refused to surrender and mobilised neighbouring rulers and zamindars to join the resistance.Recalling her call to other rulers, Singh said she urged them to prepare to defend the country or “wear bangles and sit at home.” He said she demonstrated military leadership by defeating British forces led by Waddington in the Battle of Kheri with the support of farmers and ordinary people.Singh said that when the British returned with a larger force and surrounded her army, she again refused to surrender. He said she sacrificed her life on the battlefield with her own sword, remaining committed to her resolve that no enemy should touch her while she was alive.The defence minister said her life carried the message that no one should bow to injustice or compromise with self-respect. He said the statue was not merely a memorial of stone and metal, but a living representation of India’s history that would encourage children to learn about her bravery, leadership, patriotism and sacrifice.Singh also praised Uttar Pradesh govt for naming battalions and public institutions after historical figures, citing Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) battalions named after Veerangana Uda Devi Pasi, Jhalkari Bai Kori and Rani Avantibai Lodhi. Recalling former chief minister Kalyan Singh, he said Kalyan Singh’s resignation after the firing on kar sevaks was an example of self-respect. Singh said India’s role models should not be imported from outside and noted efforts such as developing five places associated with Dr B R Ambedkar as Panch Teerth to carry the legacy of Indian heroes and heroines to future generations.
