‘Beacon of courage, bravery’: PM Modi on 350th coronation anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
1 min read 02 Jun 2023, 11:29 AM ISTPM Modi praises Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the 350th anniversary of his coronation, stating that his ideals are a source of great inspiration and a beacon of courage and bravery. The celebrations began in Maharashtra at the Raigad Fort.
PremiumPrime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at his 350th coronation ceremony today. According to the Hindu calendar, the anniversary of his coronation falls on June 2 this year, while the Gregorian calendar stated that the Maratha warrior king was coronated on June 6, 1674, at the Raigad fort.
On the 350th year of the coronation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, PM Modi said, “Hundreds of years of slavery had taken away the self-esteem and confidence of our countrymen. It was a difficult task, at that time, to instill confidence in people."
“But Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, during that period, not only fought the invaders but also infused a belief in the people that self-rule was possible. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a beacon of courage and bravery. His ideals are a source of great inspiration," he said.
The Prime Minister also said that the values established by Shivaji Maharaj are showing people the way forward.
“Based on these values, we have to complete the journey of 25 years of Amrit Kaal. This will be the journey of Swaraj, good governance, and self-reliance."
PM Modi further remembered the way Shivaji expanded the Indian Navy. “Recognizing India's potential, the way he expanded the Navy still inspires us. The identity of the British rule has been replaced by the royal seal of Shivaji Maharaj."
In Maharashtra, celebrations began marking the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj began at the Raigad Fort in the presence of state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Shinde and Fadnavis took part in various rituals to mark the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj at the Raigad fort, around 170 km from here, PTI reported.
Culture Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar performed 'jalabhishek' (ritual of offering water) on the idol of the 17th-century king. The water was collected from rivers across Maharashtra.
A state police band paid obeisance to the founder of the Maratha empire by playing Maharashtra's state song 'Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha, Garja Maharashtra Majha'. Flower petals were showered on the statue of Shivaji Maharaj from a helicopter.
