CM Mohan Yadav said that Rani Durgavati was a true embodiment of courage and valor, much like Goddess Durga herself. Addressing a gathering at Barha village after paying homage at her memorial in Narrai Nala, Jabalpur, on the occasion of her 462nd sacrifice day, CM Dr. Yadav said Rani Durgavati is a symbol of women empowerment and India’s glorious heritage. Though often the West is credited with cultural advancements, India’s tribal queens like Rani Durgavati and Rani Avantibai stood as shining examples of strength and self-respect. CM recalled that Rani Durgavati’s father had trained her in horse-riding, swordsmanship, and military strategy nearly 500 years ago, setting a rare example of women’s leadership and martial prowess.
Modern Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre in Her Name
CM Mohan Yadav announced that a modern zoo and wildlife rescue centre will be developed in Thakurtal, Jabalpur, on the lines of Van Vihar in Bhopal. This facility will be dedicated to Rani Durgavati and named after her. The Thakurtal site will also be developed as a major tourist destination.CM Dr. Yadav emphasized that the state government is committed to honoring all great historical figures, and announced a grant of Rs. 5 lakh to Jabalpur Municipal Corporation for organizing events like the Rani Durgavati Marathon, and Rs. 5,000 to each folk artist who performed at the event.
Her Valor to be Included in School Curriculum
CM Mohan Yadav highlighted that stories of Rani Durgavati’s courage will be incorporated into the school curriculum. The state has already launched a scheme in her name to promote and procure coarse grains. Rani Durgavati fought 52 battles, winning 51 of them, and her Gondwana kingdom included 23,000 villages. She famously defeated the Mughal army three times. Dr. Yadav said her legacy also includes significant work in water conservation. She was betrayed at the very place of her memorial and chose martyrdom over surrender, much like Chandrashekhar Azad, never falling into enemy hands. He further mentioned that the region has a rich legacy of courageous women like Rani Avantibai and Rani Laxmibai, and today, a woman from the tribal community is proudly serving as the President of India. He also expressed the government’s intention to provide 33% reservation for women in the Assembly after delimitation. CM Dr. Yadav felicitated the winners of the Rani Durgavati Marathon with cheques and appreciation certificates.
Minister for Public Works Shri Rakesh Singh recalled that after taking oath, Dr. Yadav had dedicated his first cabinet meeting to Rani Durgavati and held it on the soil of Gondwana. He said that Rs. 10 crore has already been approved for the development of her memorial site, and additional funds have been requested from Union Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to further enhance the site into a national symbol of women’s valor.
Other dignitaries present included Minister of Public Health Engineering Smt. Sampatiya Uikey, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Sumitra Valmiki, MP Shri Ashish Dubey, Mayor Shri Jagat Bahadur Singh Annu, MLAs Shri Sushil Kumar Tiwari Indu, Shri Ashok Rohani, Shri Santosh Varkade, Dr. Abhilash Pandey, and Shri Neeraj Singh, along with a large number of tribal residents and citizens.