Scindia Unveils 25-Foot Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Athani
Belagavi resonates with legacy of valour, self-respect and Hindavi Swaraj, says Union Minister
- Jyotiraditya Scindia unveils 25-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Athani
- Event held in Belagavi district of Karnataka on Sunday
- Scindia calls Shivaji Maharaj a symbol of courage, strategy and nationhood
- Several political leaders and spiritual figures attend the ceremony
GG News Bureau
Belagavi, 14th Dec: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Sunday unveiled a 25-foot-tall statue of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Athani in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, describing the occasion as a historic moment that reconnects the nation with its timeless values of courage, self-respect and sovereignty.
Addressing the gathering, Scindia said the unveiling was not merely the installation of a statue but a pledge to pass on the spirit of Hindavi Swaraj, national pride and fearless leadership to future generations. He said the chant of “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji” continues to infuse every Indian with the spirit of bravery, national duty and self-belief.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders and spiritual figures, including Manjunath Bharti 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 Shrimant B. Patil, PGR Sindhe and other dignitaries.
Recalling the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Union Minister said the Maratha ruler had envisioned Hindavi Swaraj at the young age of 15 and went on to defeat powerful invaders through courage, strategy and foresight, thereby safeguarding India’s self-respect. He said the land of Belagavi and Athani has been a witness to Shivaji Maharaj’s valour, especially during his southern campaigns, when the region held immense strategic importance in securing routes across the Deccan, Konkan and Goa.
Scindia said the unveiling of Shivaji Maharaj’s statue on this historic land symbolises the seamless link between history, tradition and the present. “Today, the immortal saga of valour, self-respect and boundless courage has come alive on the soil of Belagavi,” he said.
The Union Minister added that as India moves forward on the path of cultural resurgence and self-confidence, the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have become even more relevant. He said the vision of a developed and self-reliant India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi draws inspiration from the same values of nation-first and unwavering resolve that Shivaji Maharaj stood for.
The statue, he said, will continue to inspire coming generations with the message that national interest is paramount, courage never fades and the spirit of Swaraj remains eternal.
Notably, Scindia is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra and Karnataka. On Saturday, he unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking 150 years of the Bombay Gymkhana in Kolhapur and later interacted with Gramin Dak Sevaks at a regional conference, before attending the statue unveiling ceremony in Belagavi on Sunday.
