Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Wednesday that India's history is not one of subjugation, but rather a history of continuous struggle, resistance, and national pride against foreign invaders. "The Battle of Haldighati was not merely a clash between two armies; it was a monumental struggle waged by the entire society to safeguard national consciousness and self-respect," he added.
Addressing a massive 'Rashtra Chetna Sankalp Sabha' (National Consciousness Resolve Gathering), organised at Udaipur's Gandhi Maidan under the aegis of the Pratap Gaurav Kendra 'Rashtriya Tirtha' to mark the 450th anniversary of the victory at Battle of Haldighati and the 486th birth anniversary of the valiant Maharana Pratap, the RSS Chief remarked that the victory at Haldighati occurred because Maharana Pratap was born.
He noted that available historical accounts, contemporary sources, and even the writings of Mughal historians themselves make it clear that the Mughal Army was forced to retreat at various stages of the battle. He asserted that if the enemy remained in a state of fear and insecurity even after the battle, history itself determines who achieved the true victory.
Recounting episodes from the battle, the RSS Chief mentioned that the very first assault by Maharana Pratap's Army compelled the Mughal forces to retreat a considerable distance. "The extraordinary valour of Chetak, Pratap's military strategy, and the high morale of his soldiers challenged the might of a vast empire despite limited resources."
He highlighted that Maharana Pratap's Army comprised not just the royalty or the warrior class, but the entire society; rising above caste, creed, region, and social divisions, society had united for the defence of the nation. Bhagwat affirmed that Indian society has never been one to willingly accept subjugation.
"Whenever foreign invaders attempted to dominate this land, the fire of resistance was ignited. Citing brave Indian warriors such as Bappa Rawal, Lalitaditya, Maharana Pratap, and other heroes," the RSS Chief remarked that it was impossible for any invader to defeat the soul of India.
He noted that history has often been presented from the perspective of those close to power, resulting in many national heroes not receiving the recognition they deserved. A re-examination of the facts surrounding the Battle of Haldighati is also necessary, he said.
The RSS Chief added that the fact that Maharana Pratap's birth anniversary is being celebrated across the country today with reverence and respect serves as the greatest proof that a nation never forgets its true heroes. Bhagwat also said, "Akbar's birth anniversary is not celebrated anywhere in the world, whereas Maharana Pratap is still remembered by the masses today.
This verdict of history itself reveals who truly emerged victorious." He remarked: "Maharana Pratap was not called 'Hindua Suraj' (Sun of the Hindus) without reason; he struggled throughout his life for his faith, culture, self-respect, and the national interest.
His life stands as an example not of the pursuit of power, but of public welfare, ideal governance, and the preservation of national identity. He established an ideal for future generations that continues to inspire the nation today." The RSS Chief said: "India's strength lies in its unity, social harmony, and self-confidence.
Society must remain organised and vigilant not only during times of crisis but also under normal circumstances." He affirmed that as long as the spirit of self-respect and the sense of 'Sva' (one's own identity) remain alive, India will continue to script new sagas of victory while overcoming every challenge.
Addressing the gathering, Bhagwat called upon all citizens to draw inspiration from the life of Maharana Pratap and dedicate themselves to national upliftment, social organisation, and global welfare. He emphasised that India's rise is the path to the world's welfare, and working towards this goal is the duty of every citizen.
Speaking as a distinguished guest at the event, Nimbarkacharya Shriji Shyam Sharan Devacharya said that the "occasion was not merely a historical commemoration but a grand celebration of patriotism, self-respect, and the resurgence of Sanatan culture". He remarked that misconceptions regarding history, propagated over the years, are now being dispelled before society, and the true glory of Maharana Pratap is being restored.
In his address, he noted: "The land of Mewar is sacred soil known equally for valour and devotion. On the one hand, this land gave birth to a national hero like Maharana Pratap, the embodiment of courage and sacrifice; on the other, it gifted the world a great devotee of Lord Krishna in Meerabai."
He said that when the motherland and Sanatan culture faced a crisis, Maharana Pratap, embodying Lord Ram's ideal that "the mother and the motherland are greater than heaven itself" (Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi), dedicated his entire being to the protection of the nation and the faith.
Shriji Shyam Sharan said that this spirit of patriotism has manifested in various forms throughout the ages. Every Swayamsevak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is dedicated to serving the motherland with the sentiment of "Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume" (Salutations to you, O loving Motherland).
He called upon society to rise above caste, class, and narrow-mindedness and to place the national interest above all else. He said that India's Sanatan culture embodies the ideals of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) and "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah" (may all be happy), and that these values continue to guide the nation toward harmony, unity, and universal welfare.