Jyotiraditya Scindia Unveils 25-Foot Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Athani, Karnataka

Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Sunday unveiled a majestic 25-foot statue of the Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Athani, Belagavi district of Karnataka. Describing the occasion as historic, the Minister  said that this was not merely the unveiling of a statue, but a solemn resolve to carry forward the spirit of India’s self-respect, courage and the consciousness of Hindavi Swaraj to future generations.

Shri Scindia remarked that the clarion call of “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji” continues to ignite fearlessness, a sense of national duty and pride in every Indian even today.

The programme was graced by the presence of Manjunath Bharati Swamiji, Sambhaji Bhide Guruji, Karnataka Ministers Santosh Lad and Satish Jarkiholi, former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka Laxman Savadi, Kolhapur MP Shrimant Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj, former Karnataka Minister Shrimant B. Patil, PGR Sindhe and other distinguished leaders.

Shivaji Maharaj: Architect of Hindavi Swaraj and Symbol of National Duty

In his address, the Union Minister recalled the life and struggles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that at the young age of just 15, Shivaji Maharaj had taken the pledge of Hindavi Swaraj. Through unmatched courage, strategic brilliance and far-sighted leadership, he defeated invaders and safeguarded India’s self-respect.

Union Minister Shri Scindia highlighted that the land of Belagavi and Athani has been a witness to the valour of Shivaji Maharaj. During his campaigns in South India, this region held immense strategic importance, ensuring the security of routes connecting the Deccan, Konkan and Goa. He said that the unveiling of Shivaji Maharaj’s statue on this very soil is a proud moment that bridges history, tradition and the present.

“Today, on the land of Belagavi, the immortal saga of valour, self-respect and boundless courage has come alive,” he said.

Modern India Marches Ahead Inspired by Shivaji Maharaj: Shri Scindia

The Union Minister further stated that as India moves forward on the path of self-pride and cultural renaissance, the character and ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have become even more relevant. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of a Viksit Bharat, self-reliance and national duty taking shape across the country is deeply rooted in the very ideology of Shivaji Maharaj.

Shri Scindia added that this statue will continue to inspire coming generations with the message that national interest is paramount, courage never fades, and the spirit of Swaraj never grows old.

Union Minister Shri Scindia was on a two-day visit to Maharashtra and Karnataka as part of which, earlier on Saturday, he released a commemorative postage stamp marking 150 years of the Bombay Gymkhana in Kolhapur, followed by participation in a Gramin Dak Sevak Sammelan where he interacted with Gramin Dak Sevaks. On Sunday, he attended the statue unveiling ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Belagavi.