Raigad, April 12: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, paying tribute on the 345th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stated that “Raigad should not remain merely a tourist destination but should stand as a source of inspiration for generations to come.” The tribute program was held at the historic Raigad Fort, organized by Shri Shivaji Raigad Smarak Mandal, Mahad, at Rajsadare.
Shah, while addressing a gathering of dignitaries, government officials, and thousands of Shiv devotees, emphasized Shivaji Maharaj’s global legacy as a symbol of courage, strategy, and inclusive governance. “He was not just a king but an idea who united society with unfathomable courage and vision,” Shah said, adding that “his values must be carried forward across India and the world.”
Also present on the occasion were Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, and several cabinet ministers including Chandrakant Patil, Adv. Ashish Shelar, Aditi Tatkare, Shivendra Raje Bhosale, and Bharat Gogavale. Prominent MPs, MLAs, and senior administrative officers including Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, District Collector Kishan Jawale, and SP Somnath Gharge also attended.
During the program, Union Minister Amit Shah honored the Holkar family for their contribution to Swarajya by presenting an award to Uday Singh Holkar. Army officer Lt. Gen. Sanjay Kulkarni was also felicitated. Additionally, renowned fort researcher Nilkanth Ramdas Patil received the prestigious Shri Shivpunya Smriti Raigad Award. A souvenir titled ‘Shivrayamudra’ authored by Ashok Bangar was released during the event.
Expressing his reverence, Shah said, “I bow before Rajmata Jijau who not only gave birth to Shivaji Maharaj but also instilled in him the vision of Swarajya, Swadharma, and Swabhasha. Raigad Fort, the seat of Hindavi Swarajya, evokes unmatched emotion.”
Highlighting the need to educate future generations, he urged the Maharashtra government to ensure that all students from Class 7 to 12 visit Raigad Fort as part of their educational curriculum. “This is our cultural responsibility,” Shah asserted, while also recalling the efforts of Lokmanya Tilak and Babasaheb Purandare in reviving Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed that a formal proposal to include twelve of Shivaji Maharaj’s forts in the UNESCO World Heritage list has been submitted, and he along with Culture Minister Ashish Shelar will represent Maharashtra in the upcoming UNESCO conference. He also reiterated the state’s commitment to constructing Shivaji Maharaj’s grand memorial in the Arabian Sea, stating that legal hurdles will be overcome.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called for increased cooperation from the Archaeological Survey of India in removing encroachments and preserving historical forts, adding that the government is inspired by Shivaji Maharaj’s governance model.
MP Udayanraje Bhosale made a strong demand for a non-bailable law to prevent insults to Shivaji Maharaj and other national icons. He also called for the establishment of a Shivswarajya Circuit on the lines of the Ramayana and Buddhist circuits, and a national memorial for Shivaji Maharaj in Delhi. Bhosale proposed using space in the Governor’s House if there were issues with constructing the memorial in the Arabian Sea.
The event concluded with a ceremonial visit by Shah and other dignitaries to the Jagdishwar Temple and the Samadhi Sthal of Shivaji Maharaj, where floral tributes were paid and a helicopter showered petals. The Raigad Police Force rendered official honors to the legendary king.
The program was introduced by Raghujiraje Angre, Chairman of the Shri Shivaji Raigad Memorial Board, and conducted by Mohan Shete. A large number of citizens, government officials, media personnel, and devotees attended the grand tribute event.
— Reported by Dr. Danish Lambe, Senior Journalist
