Kallabettu: Nirmala Sitharaman calls Rani Abbakka 'Great Queen of Tulunadu', releases postal stamp

Moodbidri: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed the need to establish a National Defense Academy for Women in the name of Veera Rani Abbakka, who fought against the Portuguese. Highlighting Rani Abbakka’s courage, warfare skills, and patriotism, Sitharaman said that it’s essential to perpetuate her contributions.

She was speaking at an event on Friday at the Excellent College in Kallabettu, Moodbidri relasing a postal stamp of Rani Abbakka, brought out by  India Post under the Ministry of Communication as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Sitharaman further said that the Union Government has brought out a digital brochure to introduce the 14,500 unsung warriors who fought for freedom in the country. The district deputy commissioners should take steps to publicize it in the respective schools in the district. “Our children need to know all this”, she said.

A short film about Rani Abbakka of Ullal, who hails from Moodbidiri, was screened in the Parliament and was watched by all MPs including Prime Minister Modi. Her bravery, fire arrow trial skill, administration, justice, and outstanding personality in everything, is indeed a lesson for us, especially women, Sitharaman said adding that Abbakka was indeed a “Great Queen” of the Tulunadu.

Women need to take advantage of the central government’s implementation of women’s reservation, she said and added that Rani Abbakka’s personality should be an inspiration to all women.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, expressed pleasant surprise at Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s extensive knowledge about Rani Abbaka during our invitation to the event. “When we had been to invite Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to the event, we were pleasantly surprised by the extensive knowledge she had about Rani Abbaka, he said and added that Rani Abbakka’s unique persona significantly influenced the Minister’s invitation to the event.

S. Rajendra Kumar, the Chief Postmaster General of Karnataka Circle, portrayed the life and adventurous journey of Rani Abbakka.