New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered his tributes to warrior queen Rani Lakshmibai on her birth anniversary.
Lakshmibai played a pivotal role against the British in the 1857 rebellion — India’s first war of independence.
She laid down her life bravely fighting the British forces, which tried to annex her kingdom.
In a post on X, Modi remarked, “A grateful nation will always remember her sacrifice and her fight to uphold the honour of the motherland”. He noted that the story of her courage and bravery in the rebellion “still fills the hearts of the countrymen with zeal and passion today”.
Other leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and various Chief Ministers, also paid homage, emphasizing her role in challenging the British with “valour, extraordinary courage, and bravery”.
Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, is celebrated as a symbol of:
- Courage and Fearlessness She led her troops, including women, into battle and refused to surrender her kingdom to the British under the Doctrine of Lapse.
- Patriotism and Sacrifice She laid down her life fighting the British forces near Gwalior in 1858, at the age of 29, and is remembered for her unwavering dedication to the nation.
- Leadership and Empowerment Her actions broke gender barriers and continue to inspire women and future generations to stand up for their rights and face challenges with determination.
Her legacy is enshrined in Indian history through poems, songs, and monuments, and her story is a fundamental part of the nation’s narrative of freedom and resistance.
