Lucknow, Aug. 31 -- Rani Avantibai Lodhi's courage, patriotism and supreme sacrifice during the 1857 freedom struggle is a glorious chapter of India's history, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday after unveiling her statue at a crossing near Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow. Singh said Avantibai took her kingdom's reins in extremely difficult circumstances and presented an example of good governance. "Avantibai Lodhi taught that patriotism and bravery cannot be confined by the boundaries of any caste, class or gender," he said. The Lucknow MP said Avantibai not only challenged British rule but also confronted a system that underestimated women. "Her entire life is a living example of women's empowerment and equality," he said. "When the British tried to capture her kingdom through deceit, she refused to bow before them. She not only took up arms herself, but also inspired neighbouring rulers to join the struggle against British rule when she was just 27," he said. Her leadership during the Battle of Kheri in which she defeated the British army with the cooperation of farmers and common people showed her extraordinary military leadership and valour, he said, Even when she was surrounded by the British army, she refused to surrender and chose martyrdom on the battlefield, Singh said. Her life teaches us never to compromise on self-respect and to stand firmly against injustice, he added. "This statue is not just a structure of iron and stone; it is a living symbol of India's glorious history," he said. It is also a medium to introduce coming generations to her courage, self-respect, leadership and sacrifice, he said. He emphasised that the ideals and role models for India's youth should come from India's own rich civilisation and historical heritage. "From Rani Avantibai Lodhi to Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar, India has a rich legacy of great personalities who dedicated their lives to the country and society," he said. Singh said women are strengthening national security from heights of Siachen to depths of sea. "Women pilots and soldiers also played an important role in Operation Sindoor during India's action against terrorism. This is Nari Shakti of new India, which is moving forward and leading in every field," he said. Speaking about women's safety in Uttar Pradesh, he said the situation has changed a lot under the leadership of chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Earlier parents of daughters were worried about their safety, while today criminals and their families are worried about the consequences of their deeds, he said. Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, Union minister of state BL Verma, UP minister Dharmapal Singh, minister of state (independent charge) Sandeep Singh, BJP state general secretary Shankar Lal Lodhi, Lucknow Mahanagar president Anand Dwivedi, mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLC Mukesh Sharma and others were present....