MYSURU: “We should take pride in Mysore Lancers who fought valiantly to liberate Haifa in the battle despite insurmountable odds. However, much needs to be done to recognize this historic feat by erecting a memorial, establishing a museum and providing support to the families of the valiant soldiers,” said Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.
Speaking at Haifa
centenary celebrations organized by Haifa centenary celebration committee here on Sunday, he said: “The
battle of Haifa speaks volumes about the
rich history and tradition of Mysuru. I ask the committee to set up a Haifa memorial in Mysuru to commemorate the services of the Mysore Lancers.”
Recalling the contributions of the Mysuru kingdom towards warfare, he said: “The soldiers of Mysuru have played an instrumental role in World War I, the battle of Haifa, and in safeguarding Suez Canal. Our valiant soldiers have contributed immensely when it comes to warfare.”
Mysuru MP Prathap Simha Israel was formed only due to the valour of Mysore Lancers and Jodhpur Lancers. “The contribution of Mysuru is immense for the establishment of Israel. Though we have a historical connection with Israel, there were no relations with Israel in 1947, when India became independent,” the MP said, adding: “Our relations with Israel began only when P V Narasimha Rao established diplomatic relations with the country in 1992. It strengthened further when L K Advani invited the Israeli PM to India in 2003.”
Stating that India needs to take a leaf from Israel’s book when it comes to science and technology, the MP said: “They are far ahead when it comes to science and technology. After the assassination of the then PM Indira Gandhi, it was Israelis who taught us how to provide security cover for our PMs. Israel has the highest number of Nobel Prize recipients in the world. Their agricultural practices, which rely heavily on S&T, are a model for the entire world.”
“The
Wadiyars of Mysuru are held in high regard and are revered even to this day by all generations due to their contributions. No other royal family receives such love in the country. A memorial will soon come up in Mysuru to celebrate the valour of the Mysore Lancers,” he said.
Echoing the same, Chamarajanagar MP R Dhruvanarayan said: “Wadiyars of Mysuru have always been progressive. They are responsible for the development of Karnataka. We, as elected representatives, will ensure a memorial for the war heroes in the coming days.”
