Bhopal, April 28 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday that the state government will construct a pilgrimage site dedicated to freedom fighter Raja Hirdeshah Lodhi at Hirapur along the Narmada river and include his life and contributions in the academic curriculum.

The announcements were made while addressing a large gathering at Bhopal’s Jamboree Maidan on the occasion of ‘Shaurya Diwas’, marking the 168th death anniversary of Raja Hirdeshah.

“A pilgrimage site dedicated to King Hirdeshah will be constructed at Hirapur, along the banks of the Narmada River. Our government is also establishing a ‘Gita Bhawan’ in every urban local body and a ‘Vrindavan Gram’ in every district,” Chief Minister Yadav added.

To ensure the legacy of Raja Hirdeshah is preserved accurately, the state government will commission dedicated research into his life and struggles, with the findings to be integrated into the educational syllabus by the Department of Education.

Emphasising the significance of the occasion, the Chief Minister described the day as “sacred” and said it serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices of freedom fighters.

He added that the state government is committed to ensuring that future generations not only read about Raja Hirdeshah Lodhi but also understand his life journey and contribution to the freedom struggle.

Highlighting his role in India’s early resistance to British rule, Chief Minister Yadav said Hirdeshah — popularly known as the ‘Narmada Tiger’ — launched a movement against the British empire in 1842 and continued the struggle till 1858 along with his brothers.

“His life is an inspiration for all of us. Society honours those who show courage to confront adversity,” he added.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government will undertake research on Hirdeshah’s struggle and document key events from his life, which will be incorporated into school and higher education curricula.

He also referred to the state’s broader efforts to preserve cultural heritage, including the establishment of a university in Sagar named after Rani Avantibai.

Chief Minister Yadav noted that the state government is celebrating festivals linked to Sanatan culture with enthusiasm and is working towards cultural resurgence alongside development initiatives.

Several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders present on the occasion paid tributes to Raja Hirdeshah and highlighted his role in uniting Bundela and tribal communities in Bundelkhand against British rule.

During the event, other state leaders highlighted the historical significance of Raja Hirdeshah’s contributions, noting that he sounded the bugle of revolution well before the Revolt of 1857.

Madhya Pradesh Ministers, Prahlad Singh Patel and Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, joined Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in honouring the sacrifice of the Lodhi community, noting that Raja Hirdeshah and twelve of his brothers laid down their lives for the country’s independence.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the state to celebrate cultural heritage and honour historical figures who fought for national freedom.

Former Chief Minister Uma Bharti also addressed the gathering during the ‘Raja Hirdeshah Lodhi Shaurya Yatra’. She strongly supported the reservation policy, calling it essential for achieving social justice.

“Reservation is essential for achieving social equality in the country,” Bharti said, adding that social and economic inequalities still persist.

She called for a “third freedom struggle” to eliminate inequality and stressed that along with legal measures, a change in societal mindset is necessary for real progress.

–IANS

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