Kota: From Coaching Capital to Ghost City – Can the City Reclaim its Glory? By Ishita Pandey

Rajasthan Day: A Tale of Valor, Heritage, and Pride—Through the Pen of a Young Author

Ishita Pandey
Young Author
Class 12, Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur

Who am I, you ask?
I am the land of the brave,
A flame of pride burning bright,
Rising from the scorching sands,
With valor etched on every peak of the Aravallis.

I am Rajasthan…

My glorious history took a new form on March 30, 1949, when the princely states of Rajputana united to become Rajasthan. This was not just a political merger—it was the unification of our very soul.

I am not just a geographical expanse; I am a living testament to sacrifice, courage, and resilience. My sands whisper the undying sagas of warriors, my winds carry echoes of great sacrifices, and my spirit embodies Maharana Pratap’s struggle, Prithviraj Chauhan’s valor, and Panna Dhai’s selflessness. The Battle of Haldighati was not just a clash of swords—it was a thunderous roar of self-respect. The Jauhar of Rani Padmini in Chittorgarh was a pledge to safeguard my honor. Kumbhalgarh Fort, with its second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China, is a towering symbol of my grandeur. My golden history was vividly immortalized in books by the legendary Dr. Mathura Lal Sharma.

But I am more than just the land of swords.
I am also a land of devotion and love. The divine bhakti of Meerabai, the spiritual sanctity of Pushkar’s Brahma Temple, and the exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples reflect my deep-rooted cultural heritage. My Sonar Kila (Golden Fort) of Jaisalmer stands as a glowing testimony to my timeless glory.

I have faced adversities, yet I have never bowed down. Today, my biggest battles are water conservation, environmental protection, and wildlife preservation. My lakes, stepwells, and rivers—Chambal, Kali Sindh, and Banas—hold the key to my survival. With proper management, I can break free from the chains of water scarcity. My wildlife is my pride—the majestic tigers of Ranthambore, the rare species of Sariska, and the vibrant biodiversity of my sanctuaries—they all need protection. Stopping illegal poaching and preserving my forests should be a priority for both the government and my people.

My magnificent forts, palaces, and monuments—Amer, Chittorgarh, Mehrangarh, Nahargarh—are not mere stone structures; they are symbols of my pride, prestige, and power. As more and more travelers arrive, keeping them clean, beautiful, and well-preserved is a shared responsibility.

But I dream beyond my past—I envision a Rajasthan that is not only historic but also among the most developed states of India. My Pink City, Jaipur, is evolving into a startup hub. My Sun City, Jodhpur, and City of Lakes, Udaipur, are emerging as global centers of tourism and innovation. My Kota, famous for its spicy kachoris, is no longer just an education hub—it is transforming into a center of care, tourism, research, and technology. The flavors of my Bikaneri namkeen and sweets have traveled across the world.

To my sons and daughters living abroad, I call upon you—adopt my villages, schools, and hospitals. Help me grow economically. Fulfill your duty towards the land that gave you your roots. Despite my progress, I still grapple with illiteracy, child marriage, and superstitions. My daughters have risen beyond the veil and excelled in science, administration, sports, and industries, yet there is much more to achieve. My farmers, who turn my desert soil into gold, deserve modern agricultural advancements. Water conservation, solar energy, and green initiatives can make me self-reliant.

I am not just a desert; I am a land of infinite possibilities. My Thar Desert holds immense potential in solar and wind energy, capable of powering all of India.

March 30, 2025—as every home lights up lamps to celebrate the Hindu New Year, as every city rejoices in festivity, my heart will swell with pride. This day is not just about honoring past sacrifices; it is about resolving to shape the future. Like every year, this time too, I will rise higher, standing tall with new aspirations, renewed strength, and an unwavering spirit.

I am from Rajasthan.
I have always been, and will always be, the pride of my warriors!

Jai Rajasthan!
Jai Rajasthan!
Jai Jai Rajasthan!

Ishita Pandey
Young Author
Class 12, Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur

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