On April 12, 2025, a grand ceremony was held at Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, to commemorate the 345th death anniversary of the revered Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The event saw prominent political figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, pay their respects to the legendary warrior.
During the ceremony, Amit Shah emphasized the importance of Shivaji Maharaj's legacy in contemporary India. He stated, "The fight for Swaraj, respect for Swadharma, and the immortality of Swabhasha should never stop." This message resonates with the current political climate, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration seeks to align itself with the values and vision of Shivaji Maharaj.
Shah highlighted that under Modi's leadership, the government is working to restore historical sites significant to Shivaji Maharaj, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ram Janmabhoomi, fulfilling the Maratha king's vision of cultural revival. He noted, "These tasks have been fulfilled during PM Modi's tenure," referring to the revitalization of cultural heritage that Shivaji Maharaj had envisioned.
In a display of commitment to preserving Shivaji's legacy, Shah announced that the Maharashtra government is collaborating with the central government to develop Raigad Fort into a source of inspiration for youth across the nation. He urged, "I have asked Devendra Fadnavis to ensure every student from class 7 to class 12 visits this place of inspiration." This initiative aims to instill a sense of pride and knowledge about Shivaji Maharaj's contributions among young Indians.
Devendra Fadnavis, in his address, echoed Shah's sentiments, calling for the establishment of a national memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Delhi. He asserted, "It is a matter of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak in the Arabian Sea. We will complete the court battle and ensure that the smarak is built. There should be a national memorial of Maharaj in Delhi too." This proposal has garnered support from various quarters, including Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, who called for strict legislation against those who insult the Maratha king.
Fadnavis underscored Shivaji Maharaj's role in uniting diverse communities, stating, "Chhatrapati Shivaji credited for his efforts to bring together 18 different castes in order to establish Hindavi Swarajya." This historical context serves to remind attendees of the unifying vision that Shivaji Maharaj embodied.
As part of the event, Amit Shah paid tribute to Rajmata Jijau, Shivaji Maharaj's mother, acknowledging her influence on his life and ideals. "I bow to the mother who not only gave birth to Shivaji Maharaj but also shaped his vision of self-rule," Shah remarked, underscoring the importance of maternal figures in shaping leaders.
The ceremony also included reflections on Shivaji Maharaj's historical significance. Eknath Shinde noted that Raigad Fort was not only the site of Shivaji's coronation but also where he spent his final days. He stated, "Shivaji Maharaj lived for only 50 years, but had he lived for two or three more decades, history might have unfolded very differently." This statement invites contemplation on the potential impact of Shivaji Maharaj's extended leadership on the trajectory of Indian history.
Shah further articulated the need for a broader recognition of Shivaji Maharaj's legacy beyond Maharashtra, asserting, "The country and the world can take inspiration from him." This call to action seeks to elevate Shivaji Maharaj's status as a national hero whose values resonate across cultural and geographic boundaries.
In conclusion, the ceremony at Raigad Fort not only honored the memory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also served as a platform for political leaders to reinforce their commitment to his ideals. The call for a national memorial, educational initiatives, and the transformation of Raigad Fort into a source of inspiration highlights the enduring relevance of Shivaji Maharaj's legacy in contemporary India. As the nation continues to navigate its identity and values, the spirit of Shivaji Maharaj remains a guiding force for many.
