In a keynote address celebrating the 104th anniversary of Bhupal Nobles’ University in Udaipur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that contemporary India derives its confidence and identity from a profound connection with its ancient wisdom and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the institution founded in 1923 by the former ruler of Mewar, Maharana Bhupal Singh Ji, the senior minister elaborated on India’s timeless intellectual contributions to fields as diverse as science, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, and ethics.
“The India of today takes immense pride in the India of yesterday. We honour our traditions and our rich civilisational legacy. This is the soil that nurtured luminaries like Charaka and Sushruta in medicine, Aryabhata and Brahmagupta in mathematics, thinkers like Panini and Patanjali, and revered figures such as Gargi and Thiruvalluvar,” Singh stated.
Tribute to a ‘Patriot-Educationist’
The Defence Minister paid rich homage to the university’s namesake, Maharana Bhupal Singh Ji, portraying him not just as a monarch but as a forward-thinking educator and a dedicated patriot. He highlighted the ruler’s pioneering efforts in establishing the Hindu University in Chittor, an Agricultural College in Udaipur, and a network of schools with a particular emphasis on female literacy.
“By the 1940s, his initiatives had multiplied literacy rates in Mewar tenfold—a monumental feat for that era,” Singh noted.
He also recalled the Maharana’s decisive stance during the integration of princely states post-Independence, quoting his unequivocal declaration: **”I am with India.”** “For him, the principle of ‘India First’ was absolute,” the Minister added.
A Tradition of Honouring Valour
Singh recounted the Maharana’s unique practice of sharing meals with descendants of warriors who had fought and sacrificed their lives for Mewar and the nation, calling it a mark of his deep respect for bravery and patriotism.
Drawing a direct parallel to this tradition, Singh connected it to the modern-day armed forces’ custom of ‘Bada Khana’ (community meals). “When I visit our troops, I make it a point to join them for these meals. It allows me to step beyond formalities, connect with our soldiers personally, and understand their lives and challenges intimately,” he shared.
Maharana Bhupal Singh Ji ruled Mewar (Udaipur) from 1930 to 1948 and served as the first Rajpramukh of Rajasthan until his passing in 1955.
