P V.Anandpadmanabhan
Pune,
Forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are more sacred to us than temples, and the state government is continuously working on their conservation and preservation, stated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
He was speaking at the Shivjanmotsav (Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary) celebration held at Fort Shivneri. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of the district Ajit Pawar, Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, MLA Sharad Sonawane, Bapusaheb Pathare, former MLA Atul Benke, Kolhapur Range Special Inspector General of Police Sunil Phulari, District Planning Committee member Asha Tai Buchke, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, CEO of the Zilla Parishad Santosh Patil, District Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh, Deputy Forest Conservator Amol Satpute, Maratha Seva Sangh President Vijay Ghogre, and other dignitaries.
Extending his best wishes to the citizens on Shivjanmotsav, CM Fadnavis said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not only a warrior but also an excellent administrator and a master of various management strategies. He dedicated his entire life to the welfare of his people, which is why we remember him as an ideal ruler, a visionary king, and a saintly warrior.”
He further stated that various development projects are underway at Raigad Fort, the capital of Swarajya, as well as Shivneri Fort. The government has taken a firm decision to remove encroachments from historical forts, ensuring that none remain.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, twelve forts from Maharashtra associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been selected for UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination. These forts represent excellence in architecture, water conservation, and environmental sustainability. A presentation regarding these forts will be made at the upcoming UNESCO General Assembly in Paris next week. Expressing confidence, CM Fadnavis stated, “These forts will be recognized as World Heritage Sites, attracting visitors from across the globe.”
During the Mughal era, when various rulers accepted subjugation, Maratha land suffered from oppression and injustice. Maa Jijau (Shivaji’s mother) entrusted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the responsibility of resisting this oppression and establishing Swarajya. By bringing together people from eighteen different castes, Shivaji built a formidable army of Mavalas (Maratha warriors) and launched a battle for Dharma, the motherland, and justice. This ignited the spirit of nationalism, which remains the backbone of India today.
In five years, we will be celebrating the 400th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Every time we visit Shivneri Fort, we are inspired by the legacy of Swarajya. The government will continue working towards the development of the Shivneri region, CM Fadnavis assured.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde emphasized that the administration is working with Shivaji Maharaj’s inclusive governance model. He stated, “We are committed to creating the welfare-oriented state that Shivaji Maharaj envisioned.”
“The forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stand as testaments to the valor of his warriors. They exemplify brilliant engineering and architecture. Visiting these forts fills us with energy and inspiration, which is why they are popular even among international tourists. The government is focused on preserving these forts, old temples, and historic sites. Additionally, tourist facilities are being enhanced, and a heritage circuit is being developed,” Shinde added.
Shinde highlighted that Shivaji Maharaj protected the environment while building Swarajya. His naval strength was legendary, serving as an inspiration for India’s modern navy. He further noted, “It is a matter of pride that Shivaji’s emblem is now part of the Indian Navy’s flag.”
Shinde also pointed out that Shiv Jayanti is now celebrated in places like Kupwara (near the India-Pakistan border), Agra, and even in various foreign countries. Additionally, Shivaji Maharaj’s legendary tiger claws weapon (wagh nakh) was brought back from Britain, and it is drawing massive crowds of citizens and students eager to see it.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stressed that Shivaji Maharaj’s forts are his real wealth—symbols of strength and inspiration. “Preserving and maintaining these forts is the state government’s responsibility. Therefore, the government is carrying out various development projects at Shivneri, Raigad, Pratapgad, Sinhagad, and Purandar forts. Funds will never be a constraint for fort conservation,” he assured.
He further emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj’s every decision was aimed at Swarajya’s welfare and the well-being of its people. “Chatrapati Shivaji’s governance was based on social unity, justice, good governance, and public welfare. Today, on Shiv Jayanti, let us pledge to uphold Shivaji Maharaj’s values and work together to make Maharashtra even greater. By carrying forward Shivaji’s teachings and legacy, we all must contribute to Maharashtra’s progress—that would be the true essence of celebrating Shiv Jayanti,”
Traditional women’s groups performed a lullaby honoring Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
The national anthem and Maharashtra state song (“Garja Maharashtra Maza”) were played by the police band, followed by a 21-gun salute for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Zilla Parishad school children enacted significant episodes from Shivaji Maharaj’s life.
CM Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Shinde and Pawar paid floral tributes to the statues of Young Shivaji and Maa Jijabai. They also participated in a procession carrying Shivaji Maharaj’s image.
CM Fadnavis presented the Shivneri Bhushan Award to former MLA Balasaheb Dangat, Dr. Amol Dumbare, Jalinder Korde, and Rajabhau Paimode.
