Indian history has been ‘manipulated and doctored’, says Jagdeep Dhankhar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addresses the 138th birth anniversary celebrations of Raja Mahendra Pratap at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Observing that there were many unsung heroes of the freedom struggle, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday said Indian history has been “manipulated and doctored” and has created a monopoly of few that they gained us independence.

Addressing an event on the occasion of the 138th birth anniversary of Raja Mahendra Pratap here, Mr. Dhankhar said: “What a travesty of justice, what a tragedy. We are in the 75th year of our independence. We have failed, miserably failed, to recognise such heroic feats of this great man. Our history has not given him the place which he deserves. If you look at the foundations of our independence, we have been taught very differently. Foundations of our independence are built upon supreme sacrifices of the people like Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh and other unsung heroes or not so well-sung heroes.”

“It is unbearable pain on our conscience. It is a burden on our soul and heart. And I am sure we have to bring about big change,” he added.

Raja Mahendra Pratap was an Indian freedom fighter, writer, and President of the Provisional Government of India, which served as the Indian government-in-exile during World War I from Kabul in 1915. He also formed the Executive Board of India in Japan in 1940 during the Second World War.

Mr. Dhankhar expressed concern over the way history writing is marked by the “unfortunate tendency of overlooking certain national heroes”.

“We cannot nurture our history by bestowing indulgent, sycophant, credit rating to those who played role, of course, but not the role with others played. We cannot allow our heroes to be downsized. Today, we are discussing one of them, it is imperative to present unvarnished historical accounts to ignite patriotic fervour for this generation and future generations,” he said.

The V-P also stressed the need for the welfare of the farmers to attain a developed country status. Urging the farmers for resolution of issues through dialogue and discussion, he said: “We must remember that we do not fight with our own people, we do not deceive our own people, we deceive the enemy”.