Akbar And Auragzeb Cannot Be Our National Heroes: Our Ideals Are Maharana Pratap, Chatrapati Shivaji And Guru Govind Singh: CM Yogi Aditya Nath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a gathering on Saturday, emphasized the importance of India’s true national heroes, stating that figures such as Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Guru Govind Singh embody the ideals of the nation rather than historical rulers like Akbar or Aurangzeb.

“Mughal emperor Akbar cannot be regarded as a national hero,” Adityanath declared. He referenced the historic battle of Haldighati, which cemented Maharana Pratap’s status as a legendary warrior who fought for his land and values. “Maharana Pratap earned the recognition of a national hero through his unwavering resistance. He not only confronted Akbar but also reclaimed all the territories of the Mewar kingdom that the Mughal ruler had seized. His courage and determination forced Akbar to kneel. Likewise, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a true national hero. His valor and military strategy compelled Aurangzeb to submit,” the Chief Minister stated. His speech was met with enthusiastic chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Maharana Pratap ki Jai’ from the crowd.

The Chief Minister delivered his remarks after unveiling a grand statue of Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap at the Gautam Buddh Nagar NTPC premises in Dadri.

Further elaborating on the qualities of national heroes, Adityanath remarked, “True national heroes are those devoted sons of Mother India who sacrificed their entire lives for the welfare of the nation. They stood for their homeland and their faith, demonstrating unwavering resilience. Such heroes were willing to survive on grass bread rather than bowing down to oppressors. These are the individuals who deserve our reverence and admiration.”

He also underscored the distinction between defenders of Sanatan Dharma and those who sought to obliterate it, stating, “Those who came with the intent of destroying Sanatan Dharma cannot be considered the national heroes of this country. Our history and identity are built upon the legacy of those who protected and nurtured our culture and values.”

The Chief Minister further expressed concern over individuals who fail to acknowledge these historical figures’ contributions. “In independent India, our national heroes serve as a great source of inspiration. Those who refuse to honor them are afflicted with a deep-seated mental disorder and require treatment. Without giving due respect to these icons of history, our present generation cannot progress, nor can they derive inspiration from the past.”

Addressing the  Maha Kumbh, Adityanath spoke about the significance of faith and devotion in overcoming misinformation. “Despite various rumors, people were undeterred in their devotion and continued to visit the Maha Kumbh. There were false claims that the water was polluted, but as the saying goes, ‘Behta paani aur ramta jogi kabhi ashuddh nahi hota’ (flowing water and wandering ascetics can never be impure). This highlights the unwavering faith of the people, which remains untouched by such baseless rumors.”

During the event, the Chief Minister also took the opportunity to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for an array of development projects worth a staggering ₹1,467 crore for the district of Gautam Buddh Nagar. These projects aim to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, education, and industrial growth within the region.

Among the notable initiatives, Adityanath inaugurated a government degree college and a 100-bed hospital, both of which are expected to greatly improve the educational and healthcare facilities available to the people. Additionally, he announced plans to establish an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and a modern sports stadium, emphasizing his government’s commitment to skill development and sports promotion.

Under the state’s industrial policies, the Chief Minister also distributed financial incentives worth ₹617 crore to 14 business units. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to boost industrialization and encourage entrepreneurship in the state.

In another major milestone, Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone for Microsoft’s India Development Center (IDC), a significant step toward transforming Uttar Pradesh into a global technology and investment hub. He highlighted how the state has emerged as the most attractive destination for investments in the country and described Microsoft’s new research and development center as a testament to this progress.

“I have been informed that Microsoft’s India Development Center will become the largest research and development hub outside of their headquarters. This is a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh. Following Hyderabad, our state is now set to host Microsoft’s next major campus, solidifying our position as a key player in the global technology landscape,” Adityanath announced.

The establishment of IDC Noida is expected to significantly enhance India’s technological ecosystem, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. The Chief Minister emphasized that this project will not only strengthen India’s digital infrastructure but will also play a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a technologically advanced and self-reliant India.

Through this series of initiatives, Uttar Pradesh continues to establish itself as a leader in development, industrialization, and cultural heritage preservation. The Chief Minister’s speech and the various projects unveiled during the event underscore the state’s rapid progress toward economic growth, infrastructural advancements, and the recognition of India’s glorious past.