The Eternal Glory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!

Attended the ‘Shivkalyan Raja’ programme, held to celebrate the inclusion of 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage list in Mumbai.

The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has never been confined by time or geography. It has always been timeless, a guiding force that lives in every heartbeat of Maharashtra. With its recognition by a global institution, this becomes a moment of immense pride and emotional significance.
Gratitude to Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji for his unwavering support in steering this nomination forward. The efforts of the Department of Cultural Affairs in making this possible are truly commendable.

Each fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is more than just a structure, it is a living story of purpose and vision. From the spiritually significant Panhala and the foundational strength of Rajgad to the formidable sea forts like Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Suvarnadurg, and Khanderi, each stands as a testament to strategic brilliance, cultural depth, and the unwavering spirit of Swarajya.

Building sea forts in those times was a feat of engineering genius. The use of lakhs of kilos of lime and iron reflects the scale of that vision.

Salher, the highest fort in Maharashtra, and Raigad, whose strength astonished British envoys, embody a governance model that balanced military foresight with cultural depth. From these very forts, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj administered territories stretching from Nashik to Jinji, with unmatched efficiency.

This recognition by UNESCO is not just about monuments, it is about the ideals that shaped our conscience. These forts have endured time, conflict, and nature. They stand tall as reminders of a vision that still inspires.

This is not just history. It is a living heritage and it speaks to the world.

Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha ji, Minister Adv Ashish Shelar, MLC Pravin Darekar, MLC Prasad Lad, MLA Kalidas Kolambkar ji, MLA Ameet Satam, MLA Sanjay Upadhyay, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar ji, Ushatai Mangeshkar and other dignitaries were present.

– Devendra Fadnavis, CM, Maharashtra