Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the coronation day of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has brought along new consciousness and new energy for everyone. He said that the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a special chapter of the historic period three hundred and fifty years ago and the great tales of self-governance, good governance and prosperity inspire everyone even today. “National welfare and public welfare have been the basic elements of Shivaji Maharaj’s governance”, the Prime Minister underlined. He noted that a grand event has been organized in the courtyard of Raigarh Fort at the first capital of Swarajya and the day is fondly celebrated as a festival all over Maharashtra. The Prime Minister informed that such events will be held throughout the year in Maharashtra and also congratulated the Maharashtra government for the planning and execution.
The Prime Minister stated that when the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took place three hundred and fifty years ago, the spirit of Swarajya and nationalism were included in it. He said that Shivaji Maharaj always gave paramount importance to upholding the unity and integrity of India. Today, the Prime Minister said, the reflection of the thoughts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj can be seen in the vision of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat.
Underling the responsibility of leaders of keeping the citizens motivated and confident, the Prime Minister remarked that one can imagine the confidence levels of the country at the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He mentioned that the confidence of the citizens was at the lowest due to hundreds of years of slavery where invasions and exploitation by invaders coupled with poverty made the society weak. “An attempt was made to break the morale of the people by attacking our cultural centers”, the Prime Minister said as he highlighted that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not only fought the invaders but also instilled the belief in the public that self-governance is a possibility. “Shivaji Maharaj inspired people for nation-building by ending the mentality of slavery”, PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that there have been many rulers in history who are known for their dominance in the military but their administrative ability was weak and similarly many rulers who were known for their excellent governance, but their military leadership was weak. However, the Prime Minister said, the personality of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was magnificent as he established ‘Swaraj’ as well as ‘Suraj’. The Prime Minister highlighted that Shivaji Maharaj gave an example of his military leadership by conquering forts and defeating enemies at a very young age, while on the other hand, as a king, he also showed the way of good governance by implementing reforms in public administration. The Prime Minister further elaborated that on the one hand, he protected his kingdom and culture from invaders, while on the other, he put forward a comprehensive vision of nation-building. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is completely different from other heroes of history because of his vision”, the Prime Minister said as he highlighted his public welfare character of governance which assured that people live with self-respect. Along with this, the Prime Minister continued, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also sent out a strong message to those who tried to hurt Swaraj, religion, culture and heritage which boosted confidence among the people and propagated the spirit of self-reliance. The Prime Minister further added that it resulted in boosting respect for the nation. Be it farmer welfare, women empowerment, or making governance accessible to the common man, the Prime Minister underlined that his system of governance and his policies are equally relevant even today.
