Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday unveiled a 25-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Athani in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, describing the occasion as a historic moment that reaffirmed India’s spirit of courage, self-respect and national duty.
Addressing the gathering, Scindia said the unveiling was not merely the installation of a statue but a solemn resolve to carry forward the ideals of Hindavi Swaraj and inspire future generations with the values embodied by the Maratha icon. He remarked that the clarion call of “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji” continues to ignite fearlessness, pride and a deep sense of national responsibility among Indians even today.
Recalling the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Union Minister said that at the age of just 15, Shivaji Maharaj had pledged himself to the cause of Hindavi Swaraj. Through extraordinary courage, strategic brilliance and visionary leadership, he defeated invading forces and safeguarded the self-respect of the nation, Scindia said.
Highlighting the historical importance of Belagavi and Athani, Scindia noted that the region had witnessed Shivaji Maharaj’s valour during his southern campaigns. He said the area held strategic significance in securing routes linking the Deccan, Konkan and Goa, making the unveiling of the statue on this soil particularly meaningful.
“On the land of Belagavi, the immortal saga of valour, self-respect and indomitable courage has come alive once again,” the Minister said.
Scindia also linked Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals to contemporary India, stating that as the country moves ahead on the path of self-pride and cultural renaissance, the values of courage, good governance and national interest championed by the Maratha ruler have become increasingly relevant. He said the vision of a Viksit Bharat and self-reliant India, taking shape under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, draws inspiration from the same ethos of Swaraj.
The ceremony was attended by several religious and political leaders, including Manjunath Bharati Swamiji, Sambhaji Bhide Guruji, Karnataka Ministers Santosh Lad and Satish Jarkiholi, former Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, Kolhapur MP Shrimant Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj, former Karnataka Minister B. Patil, P.G.R. Sindhe and other dignitaries.
The statue unveiling marked the culmination of Scindia’s two-day visit to Maharashtra and Karnataka. Earlier, on Saturday, he released a commemorative postage stamp marking 150 years of the Bombay Gymkhana in Kolhapur and participated in a Gramin Dak Sevak Sammelan, where he interacted with postal workers.
