Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav paid a heartfelt tribute to Rani Laxmibai, the legendary freedom fighter, on the occasion of the 167th anniversary of her martyrdom at the ongoing Balidan Mela in Gwalior. The Chief Minister underlined the importance of ensuring that the saga of Laxmibai’s valour reaches every citizen, describing the event as a meaningful initiative to keep the flame of patriotism alive.
The Balidan Mela, which has been organized annually for the past 26 years, is dedicated to commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of Veerangana Laxmibai. During the event, the Chief Minister announced a grant of ₹5 lakh to support theatrical productions based on the lives of Veeranganas across the country.
Honouring Legacy and Sacrifice
As part of the commemorative program, CM Yadav also honoured descendants of freedom fighters and martyrs, including-
- The descendant of Durga Singh, companion of Mangal Pandey
- The wife of Shaurya Chakra recipient Martyr Vivek Singh Tomar
- National cricketer Vaishnav Sharma
In a solemn gesture, the Chief Minister also visited the Samadhi Sthal of Rani Laxmibai at Padav in Gwalior, laying a floral tribute and saluting her courage.
Veerangana Laxmibai Remembered Through Culture and Poetry
A ‘Mahanatya’ (grand theatrical production) centered on the life of Rani Laxmibai captivated the audience with its dramatic portrayal of her resistance and sacrifice. An All India Kavi Sammelan was also held, where patriotic poems from noted poets inspired the crowd and invoked national pride.
Future Vision for Gwalior and Youth Empowerment
Dr. Yadav used the occasion to share development plans inspired by national icons from Gwalior such as Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said–
- The Council of Ministers will meet in Gwalior this year to commemorate Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary.
- The state government is actively working on Vajpayee’s river linking scheme, with the Gwalior-Chambal division expected to gain the most.
- A Technology Hub will soon be established in Gwalior, aiming to generate employment opportunities for the youth.
Dr. Yadav also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s New Education Policy for integrating India’s rich heritage and tales of heroism into the curriculum, fostering cultural awareness among the younger generation.
Balidan Mela: A Tradition of Patriotism
Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya, Founding President of the Balidan Mela and former Minister, emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of the land where the Mela is organized. He described it as a “ritual and Mahayagya to awaken patriotism”, noting that the soil of Gwalior holds the blood and legacy of Laxmibai.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The Balidan Mela saw the presence of numerous dignitaries and public figures including-
- Pujya Mahant Ramdas Ji Maharaj Danderaua Sarkar
- State ministers Dharmendra Lodhi, Narayan Singh Kushwah, Pradyuman Singh Tomar, Krishna Gaur
- MPs, MLAs, senior BJP leaders, and office-bearers of municipal bodies
- A large gathering of citizens participated in the grand tribute
