Hooda pays tributes to Maharana Pratap

Chandigarh, June 17 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today called upon the people to take a pledge to follow the high ideals of great warrior and nationalist Maharana Pratap in letter and spirit so as to create a new social order.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a function organised by All India Rajput Students' Aid Society here to mark the 467th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap.

He described Maharana Pratap as a secular leader who neither supported nor fought for any particular community. He rather fought to safeguard the interests of the entire society.

Mr Hooda said those who played a vital role in the First War of Freedom of 1857 were inspired by the life and deeds of Maharana Pratap, who did not fight to get power but to get freedom.

The Chief Minister was all praise for the efforts being made by the All India Rajput Students' Aid Society to encourage students for higher education.

He announced to give Rs 21 lakh out of his discretionary grant for the All India Rajput Students' Aid Society.

Himachal Pradesh Irrigation and Power Minister Thakur Kaul Singh said that the First War of Freedom of 1857 was inspired by Maharana Pratap's deeds.

All India Rajput Students' Aid Society president R S Chauhan spoke about the activities of the society.

UNI