The soil of Belagavi resonated with history and pride on Sunday as Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, unveiled a majestic 25-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Athani in Karnataka. More than a ceremonial event, the moment stood as a reaffirmation of India’s civilisational confidence and enduring respect for one of its greatest icons of leadership and courage.
Calling the unveiling “far more than the installation of a statue,” Scindia said it was a collective resolve to pass on the spirit of self-respect, bravery, and Hindavi Swaraj to future generations. As chants of “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji” echoed through the gathering, the atmosphere carried a sense of shared national memory rather than mere celebration.
Shivaji Maharaj: The Architect of Swaraj and Strategic Genius
In his address, the minister reflected on the extraordinary life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who envisioned self-rule at the young age of 15 and went on to challenge powerful invaders with courage, strategy, and foresight. Shivaji Maharaj, he noted, was not only a warrior king but a statesman who protected India’s dignity through disciplined governance and military innovation.
Belagavi and Athani, Scindia reminded the audience, were not incidental choices for this tribute. The region held immense strategic importance during Shivaji Maharaj’s southern campaigns, helping secure key routes across the Deccan, Konkan, and Goa. The statue’s presence on this land symbolically reconnects history with the present, grounding modern India in the values that once defended it.
Why Shivaji Maharaj Matters Even More Today
Linking the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj to contemporary India, Scindia said the warrior king’s ideals are deeply relevant at a time when the country is asserting cultural self-confidence and national purpose. He drew parallels between Shivaji Maharaj’s vision of self-rule and today’s emphasis on a developed, self-reliant India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to him, the statue will serve as a silent teacher—reminding generations that national interest must always come first, courage must remain unwavering, and the idea of Swaraj never loses relevance.
A Gathering of Leaders and Shared Legacy
The event saw the presence of several prominent spiritual leaders, elected representatives, and dignitaries from Karnataka and Maharashtra, reflecting the wide resonance of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy across regions and communities. Their collective presence underscored that Shivaji Maharaj’s influence transcends geography and time.
The unveiling was part of Scindia’s two-day Maharashtra–Karnataka visit, which also included engagements in Kolhapur, ranging from the release of a commemorative postage stamp to interactions with rural postal workers—highlighting a blend of heritage, governance, and grassroots connection.
-receiving-the-award-in-category-2.jpg)
