Rajnath Singh honors Uda Devi, promoting her legacy and community recognition.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently unveiled a statue of Uda Devi Pasi in Lucknow, commemorating her contributions to India’s freedom struggle on her martyrdom day. Singh emphasized that the sacrifices of the Pasi community and other marginalized groups have been largely overlooked by “Leftist historians” and previous governments, calling for a recognition of their valour in the independence movement. He praised Uda Devi as a symbol of women’s empowerment and highlighted the government’s initiatives to include the stories of Pasi heroes in school curricula, thereby fostering a sense of pride and identity among the community. Adityanath reinforced this sentiment, recalling Uda Devi’s bravery during the 1857 uprising, and noted the government’s ongoing efforts to restore historical sites and integrate the contributions of various heroes into educational materials. This initiative aims not only to honor these historical figures but also to empower contemporary communities and promote social unity as part of the larger vision of inclusive development under the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
