Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed his discontent over the perceived distortion of India’s history, criticizing the selective glorification of certain figures in the narrative of the country’s independence. Speaking at the 138th birth anniversary celebration of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh at Bharat Mandapam on Sunday, Dhankhar lamented that history books attribute India’s freedom primarily to a few individuals while overlooking the contributions of many others.
“Our history books have done injustice to our heroes,” Dhankhar
“Our history books have done injustice to our heroes,” Dhankhar stated, emphasizing that the portrayal of India’s independence has been manipulated to create a monopoly of credit among a select few. He described this situation as “an unbearable pain on our conscience” and a “burden on our soul and heart.”
Calling for a reevaluation of historical narratives, Dhankhar referenced the commemoration of the first Bharat Sarkar in 1915 as an opportunity to address these issues. He praised Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh as a “natural diplomat, statesman, visionary, and nationalist,” highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of unsung heroes whose sacrifices have been overshadowed in historical accounts.
Dhankhar remarked, “What a travesty of justice, what a tragedy,” as he noted the lack of recognition for many freedom fighters. He asserted that the 75th year of India’s independence should have been marked by a greater acknowledgment of the heroic feats of figures like Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, whose contributions have not been adequately celebrated.
Criticizing the trend of selective glorification, Dhankhar urged for a more inclusive historical narrative that honors all individuals who played pivotal roles in India’s struggle for independence. He stated, “We cannot nurture our history by indulgently crediting a few while marginalizing others.”
In addition to his remarks on historical narratives, Dhankhar emphasized the importance of farmers’ welfare in the nation’s economic development. He linked the well-being of farmers to India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 and encouraged dialogue to resolve agricultural issues. “We must remember not to fight amongst ourselves or deceive our own people, that is what we reserve for our enemies,” he concluded, urging unity among the populace.
