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Union Home Minister in Raigad, Maharashtra
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah on 12 April addressed a program held at Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, on the occasion of the 345th Punyatithi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On this occasion, many dignitaries were present, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.
In his address, Shri Shah expressed that it was a matter of profound honour to stand on the soil of Raigad, the capital of Hindavi Swaraj and the site of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation. He described Raigad Fort not just as a monument, but as a living symbol of self-rule, valor, and national pride.
Legacy of a Visionary Leader
Shri Amit Shah paid glowing tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, emphasizing that Shivaji ignited a revolutionary spirit across India. At a time when the Indian subcontinent was dominated by the Adilshahi, Mughal, and Nizamshahi empires, Shivaji Maharaj’s vision transformed Maharashtra into the cradle of Hindavi Swaraj. His leadership inspired a wave of resistance and a revival of pride in Indian religion, language, and self-governance.
Role of Rajmata Jijabai
Shri Shah lauded Rajmata Jijabai for shaping the young Shivaji’s ideals and moral compass. She instilled in him the belief that India should be ruled by its own people, and that it was their sacred duty to preserve their religion, culture, and language.
From Resistance to Empire
Despite lacking wealth, a powerful legacy, or a large army, Shivaji Maharaj created an invincible force that challenged the mighty Mughal Empire. With unmatched strategy, unwavering willpower, and the ability to unite diverse communities, he built a pan-Indian resistance that rekindled hope from Attock to Cuttack and from Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
Shri Shah stressed that Shivaji Maharaj’s triumphs were not merely military but deeply symbolic. When his forces reached distant regions, the people began to believe that India’s soul had been saved—its Dharma, culture, and Swaraj had found a defender.
Preserving Shivaji’s Legacy
Highlighting the historical and spiritual importance of Raigad, Shri Shah recalled the efforts of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who envisioned the fort as a national symbol of freedom and referred to it as “Shiv Smriti”. He pointed out that the British tried to destroy Raigad Fort, fearing its power as a symbol of resistance, but leaders like Tilak kept its legacy alive with the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright”.
Shri Shah announced that both the Central and Maharashtra governments are committed to preserving Raigad Fort and transforming it into a source of inspiration for the youth.
National Integration of Shivaji’s Message
Shri Shah emphasized that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy belongs to the entire nation, not just Maharashtra. He called upon citizens across India to draw inspiration from his life, particularly his teachings on Swadharma (self-duty), Swaraj (self-rule), and Swabhasha (mother tongue). These values, Shah said, form the cornerstone of human dignity and self-respect.
Shri Shah said PM Shri Modi’s decision to incorporate Shivaji’s Royal Seal as a symbol of the Indian Navy was a powerful statement of national pride and sovereignty. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to gain UNESCO World Heritage status for 12 historic forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj.
He concluded by affirming that Shivaji Maharaj stands as a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, and that India remains committed to realizing his dream of a strong, united, and self-reliant nation.