Riporte Vijay Kumar
Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLUP) celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit on its campus in Phaphamau, Prayagraj. The event was marked by the flag hoisting by Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, Vice Chancellor of the University in the presence of Registrar and faculty, students and staff members which was followed by the garlanding of the bust of Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Vice chancellor addressed the gathering with her stirring speech in which she emphasized on the significance of Independence Day, not just as a commemoration of freedom from colonial rule, but as a day to honor the indomitable spirit, courage, and sacrifices of millions of Indians who fought for a free and just nation. In her speech, she acknowledged the tireless efforts of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Veer Savarkar, Bhagat Singh, and many others whose dedication helped shape India into the independent nation it is today.
Drawing attention to the contribution of Uttar Pradesh and its rich history, the Vice Chancellor recalled the 1857 Rebellion and the pivotal roles played by freedom fighters such as Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Mangal Pandey of Balia. Her speech also focused on Prayagraj, a city that has been a cradle of revolutionary thought and action.
A special mention was made of the contributions of female freedom fighters from Uttar Pradesh, including Rani Lakshmibai, Avanti Bai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, and Prayagraj’s own Durga Bhabhi (Durgavati Devi) and Rajkumari Gupta. These women not only fought against colonial oppression but also defied societal norms, symbolizing resilience and courage. Their stories remind the nation of the collective effort that transcended gender, caste, and creed in the fight for freedom.
The Vice Chancellor called on students and faculty to uphold the values of justice, equality, and human dignity that these freedom fighters fought for, and to continue working towards a nation where these principles are realized for all citizens. The University also organized a flag march which was led by the Vice Chancellor. Students performed dances and songs and recited poems on various patriotic themes.
The celebration concluded with the university reaffirming its commitment to fostering legal education that is deeply rooted in social responsibility and human values.
