Addressing the gathering, Shri Paswan recalled the supreme sacrifices and contributions of the great historical personalities and said that in times to come also the Department would do everything possible to mark the contributions of other greatmen and women across the country.

    Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan (1162-1192 A.D.) ruled from Delhi at a crucial juncture of India’s history. Known for his bravery, chivalry and kindness, he has been immortalised in Prithvirajaraso, an epic poem composed by one of his associates Chand Bardai.

    Raja Bhamashah (1542-1598 A.D., approx.) was the childhood friend, colleague and adviser of Maharana Pratap. Courageous and possessing exemplary military skills, Bhamashah played crucial roles in the numerous military exercises of Mewar against the mighty Mughal army, including the famous battle of Haldi Ghati. His achievements were so far-reaching that some modern historians describe him as the "Uplifter of Mewar".

    Rajarshi Bhagyachandra (1740-1798 A.D.) was an enlightened king of Manipur who left his mark on history by successfully resisting the Burmese invasions, eliminating dissensions within the state, generating a cultural renaissance and leading Manipur to over-all prosperity. His secular outlook added to his acceptability by all sections of the population. Under his patronage, ‘Raas Leela’ and ‘Nata Sankirtan’ emerged as classical disciplines and triggered a cultural renaissance in Manipur. His spiritual leanings led to his being called, ‘Rajarshi’, meaning ‘King who was also an ascetic’.

    General Zorawar Singh (1786-1841 A.D.) was a Dogra warrior who joined the army of Maharaja Gulab Singh of Kashmir as a Sepoy and rose on account of his soldierly qualities and military acumen to become the Governor of Kishtwar and earned the title ‘Wazir’. The techniques of mountain warfare employed by him are considered text book examples of military science even today. General Zorawar Singh has been named ‘Little Napoleon of India’ by some historians.