Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj on his birth anniversary.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “On the birth anniversary of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, respectful homage to him! He was a staunch advocate of social justice and equality. He dedicated his life to the upliftment of the deprived, exploited, and backward classes. His great deeds and ideals will continue to guide the nation for ages to come.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to the social reformer, describing him as a symbol of inclusive governance and social empowerment.
In a post on X, HM Shah said, “Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, the standard-bearer of social equality, exemplified people-centric governance by strengthening an inclusive administrative system. Through women’s education, the scholarship system, and the extensive expansion of education, he gave a new direction to social empowerment. His thoughts will forever remain an inspiration for nation-building. On the birth anniversary of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, I pay my humble respects to him.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also remembered Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj as a visionary social reformer who laid the foundation for an egalitarian and inclusive society.
Paying tribute, Singh said the former ruler of Kolhapur fought relentlessly against untouchability and social discrimination while championing public welfare. He credited Shahu Ji Maharaj with spearheading historic reforms, including the promotion of women’s education, discouraging child marriage, encouraging widow remarriage, and working for the welfare of the poor, deprived and backward communities.
“On the birth anniversary of the great pioneer of social justice, harmony, and public welfare, the social reformer and people’s leader Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, I offer millions of salutations to him. His ideals of social harmony and public welfare will continue to inspire us ceaselessly towards building an egalitarian, harmonious, and empowered society,” Singh said.
Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, who ruled the princely state of Kolhapur in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is widely regarded as one of India’s foremost social reformers. He is remembered for introducing progressive policies aimed at expanding access to education, promoting social equality, advancing women’s rights, and improving opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities.
