The inspiration to abide by the secular nature of Indian constitution, to live with the unity and brotherhood despite the presence of various linguistic and religious groups and the responsibility shared by the three wings of army securing our sovereignty with the feeling of bravery and sacrifice comes from Maharana Pratap.

These thoughts were expressed by Honourable President, Pratibha Devi Singh Patil while addressing a programme at Maharana Pratap Memorial situated in Bandoli village about 56 kms from Udaipur. She further added that located amidst the sources of water the memorial appears as if the goddess of water is sitting with Pratap in her lap.

She expressed her gratitude to the organizers for inviting her to the place of scenic beauty.

Before this the president presented flowers at Maharana Pratap’s Samadhi and also touched his feet to pay her homage. She was accompanied by Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, Dr. Devi Singh Shekhawat and Higher Education Minister, Dayaram Parmar who also paid floral tribute at the Samadhi.

On this occasion the president Pratibha Devi Singh Patil and the chief minister Ashok Gehlot planted a sapling each of Banyan and Maulsari tree. The programme was organized by All ndia Pratap Seva Sangh.

A group photograph was taken with the officers of the Sangh at the end of the function. The president was honored by the members of the Sangh by presenting a shawl and was given a golden picture of Maharana Pratap, the picture Memorial and Sangh’s Smarika as memento.

The Sangh also gave mementos to Dr. Devi Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot , Higher Education Minister, Dayaram Parmar and MP, Raghuveer Singh Meena.

At the beginning of the function Manohar Singh Krishnawat, President of the Organizing Committee highlighted the importance of Kumbalgarh, Chavand, Haldighati, Gogunda and Udaipur in life of Maharana Pratap, in his welcome speech.

The president, the chief minister, Dr. Devi Singh Patil were welcomed by the committee members including Manohar Singh Krishnawat , Shabbir Mustafa, Lal Singh Jhala, Mahaveer Chaplot, Ghanshyam Singh Krishnawat, Balu Singh Kanawat, Yaduraj Singh, Vikramaditya Singh, Karanveer Singh and Yash Raj Singh at the function spot by presenting bouquet. Many eminent persons, people’s representatives and media persons were present at that time.

The president Pratibha Devi Singh Patil showed her reverence to Pratap by reaching his Samadhi on foot after crossing a bridge of 220 mts though arrangements were made to use a golfcar.

However, strict security arrangements were made during the president’s visit to the memorial and District Collector, Hemant Gera and SP, Alok Vasistha along with other senior officers were always present with the president.