Jamnagar

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today dedicated the martyrs’ memorial of the warriors of erstwhile princely state of Nawanagar who laid their lives in protecting the asylum seekers against the Mughals in the famous Bhuchar Mori battlefield near Dhrol in Jamnagar four hundred years back.

She also unveiled the plaque depicting the bravery of the then Jamnagar prince Kunwar Ajaji and his bride Surajkunvarbai, who embraced sati (self-immolation) on her husband’s pyre.

Speaking on the occasion, she said the history is replete with women’s valour, and now it is the responsibility of the society to protect the women’s honour. She listed some of the schemes of the Gujarat Government in this direction.

Describing the famous Dhrol battle as a lesser-known history of the Rajputs of Gujarat, she wished the Dhrol battle field be developed into a Shahid Van (Martyrs Garden), on the lines of the Mangarh battlefield in the tribal belt for the posterity.

The Chief Minister said the world has fought many a battle during Imperialism, but not needed any more. Now there is need for peace and development, need to wage war for educating boys and girls. She asked the private sector also share the responsibility. The government is committed to work for every section of the society, ‘sauna saath; sauna vikas’, running several job-oriented programmes, too.

She went wound an exhibition on Bhuchar Modi, honoured the decedents of Bhuchar Mori martyrs, and released a booklet on Pragatisheel Jamnagar published by the District Panchayat.  She watched the horse race, fencing competition and awarded prizes to the winners, also to meritorious students in the schools board examinations. The Collector presented a list of undernourished children adopted.

Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasma spoke on the importance of history in the upbringing of children, bringing people closer and in the development of a nation.

Gujarat Golden Jubilee Committee Chairman I.K. Jadeja spoke on the need to popularize the story of Bhuchar Modi bravery and martyrdom across India. The modern India also needs youth who could sacrifice their lives in the defence of the nation. Dr. Jayendrasinh Jadeja welcomed the guests.

Those present on the occasion included Minister of State for Women and Child Vasuben Trivedi, MP Poonamben Madam, MLAs Bavanjibhai Metaliya and Meghjibhai Chavda, Chairman Mulubhai Bera, District Panchayat President Vasoya and Bhuchar Modi Shahid Smarak Trustees.