Amit Shah: Chhatrapati Shivaji's Legacy is for All Indians

Raigad Fort, April 12 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should not be confined to Maharashtra alone; rather, every Indian ought to learn about the founder of the Maratha empire, who embodies the ideals of service to the nation and exemplary governance.

On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's death anniversary, Minister Shah stated: "The narrative of Shivaji should be imparted to every Indian. It should be introduced to every child. Do not confine Shivaji Maharaj to Maharashtra. The nation and the globe draw inspiration from him."

He elaborated, "The pride in one's faith, the aspiration for Swarajya, and the preservation of one's language are three concepts that transcend geographical borders, tied instead to the dignity of human existence. When invaders seized control, they implanted a mindset of subjugation. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj showcased these three fundamental aspects of self-respect to the world."

Union Minister Shah remarked: "Rajmata Jijau imbued young Shivaji with noble values. She motivated him to restore swaraj, swadharma, and language. She inspired him as a child to unite and liberate the entire nation. Jijau Maa Saheb also urged Shivaji Maharaj to establish Hindavi Swarajya. Hence, I pay my respects to Maa Saheb. It is our collective duty that every child in India reads about Shivaji's life and learns from it.”

"After many years, I return here. Words cannot encapsulate my emotions while revering the throne of a leader who ignited a passion for Swadharma and Swarajya. I stand here speechless," expressed the union minister.

"From Attock to Cuttack, and Tamil Nadu to Gujarat and beyond, the entire nation envisioned the dream of Swarajya coming to fruition," he reminisced about the great leader.

"A 12-year-old boy vowed to raise the saffron flag from Sindhu to Kanyakumari. I've perused the biographies of numerous heroes, but with unmatched determination, brilliant strategy, and the ability to unite all societal segments, they forged an undefeated army. They had no links to the past, yet they dismantled the Mughal Empire. They ventured to Cuttack. They journeyed to Bengal. They traveled south to Karnataka. Then, people believed the nation was on the path to independence. The country was preserved, the language was safeguarded. Today, in the wake of independence, we stand tall globally," stated the union minister.

"The awareness fostered by Shivaji Maharaj became the vessel of 'Hindavi Swabhiman' (self-respect). Today, the determination for Hindavi Swarajya is so robust that the nation can aspire that upon reaching its centenary of independence, it will be a leader on the world stage," he concluded.