Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on Friday that India`s armed forces and leadership are resolute in their commitment to defend the nation`s `Swaraj` or sovereignty. He cited Operation Sindoor, India`s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in May, as a prime example of this resolve, reported news agency PTI.
Speaking at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune after unveiling an equestrian statue of the Maratha statesman and general, Peshwa Bajirao I, the BJP leader shared that he draws inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bajirao whenever he encounters negative thoughts.
Shah stated that the tri-service institute NDA is the most fitting location for Bajirao`s memorial, as it is where India`s military leadership receives its training.
“Whenever negative thoughts come to my mind, I usually think about `Bal` (young) Shivaji and Peshwa Bajirao, thinking that they were able to establish a `Swaraj` (self-rule or sovereign state) amidst adverse conditions,” he remarked.
He added that the responsibility to defend `Swaraj` now rests with all 140 crore Indians. “When it was time to put up a fight to establish a Swaraj, we did it. When fighting will be required to defend the Swaraj, our forces and leadership will definitely demonstrate it, and Operation Sindoor was its finest example,” he asserted.
Paying tribute to Bajirao I (1700 to 1740), Shah stressed that if the struggle for independence, initiated by Shivaji Maharaj and continued by the Peshwas for a century, had not been fought, “India`s basic structure would have ceased to exist.” He further stated, “In his life of 40 years, Peshwa Bajirao scripted immortal history which no other person could write.”
Bajirao, who became `Peshwa` or prime minister of the Maratha state at the young age of 19, is widely credited with the expansion of Maratha rule across central and northern India. Following the event, Shah also engaged with NDA cadets.
Shah highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s mantra of “Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi (growth with heritage),” under which it is crucial to make India`s millennia-old culture, history, and inspiring figures accessible to its youth and military personnel, according to PTI.
The Union Minister noted that Pune is the birthplace of the `Swaraj` ethos. He affirmed that the call for `Swaraj` emerged from Pune in the 17th century, and when the time came for the people to fight for `Swaraj` against the British, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Maharaj was the first to demand it. He also mentioned that
Hindutva icon and freedom fighter Veer Savarkar from Maharashtra exemplified how much an individual can contribute to their country in a lifetime.
While numerous statues of Peshwa Bajirao exist nationwide, Shah maintained that the NDA is the most appropriate location for his memorial, given that the future leaders of India`s three armed forces are trained there. “If our future soldiers draw inspiration from Bajirao Peshwa and learn from his life, no one would dare to challenge India`s borders for ages to come,” Shah declared.
The Union Minister also stated that some of Peshwa Bajirao`s principles of warfare are timeless and eternal. “The strategy, speed, dedication, patriotism, and the spirit of sacrifice of Bajirao are what lead armies to victory in war. Bajirao Peshwa fought 41 battles in a span of 20 years and emerged victorious in all of them and
Academy (NDA) is the most fitting place for the statue of a brave warrior like Bajirao Peshwa, who never allowed defeat to come near him throughout his life,” he averred.
He further added that with his skills, strategy, and the help of brave companions, Bajirao Peshwa transformed many losing battles into victories. Bajirao Peshwa destroyed the symbols of slavery wherever they existed and lit the lamp of freedom.
Moreover, Shah noted that throughout his 20-year tenure, no one ever saw Bajirao Peshwa dismount from his horse. The legendary Maratha statesman initiated the construction of Shaniwarwada (a historical fortification in Pune), implemented water management systems, and campaigned against social evils.
Shah observed that some people refer to Bajirao Peshwa as a divinely gifted commander, an invincible warrior, and the greatest disciple of Shivaji Maharaj. He emphasised that Bajirao fought all his battles not for personal gain but for the nation and `Swaraj`. “Bajirao Peshwa fought every battle for his motherland, religion, and Swaraj, creating an immortal history that no one will be able to replicate for centuries to come,” he stated.
Shah also mentioned that in his short lifespan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not only established Hindavi Swaraj but also instilled the values of `Swaraj` in the hearts of the youth. He reiterated that if the Peshwas had not continued the fight for independence started by Shivaji Maharaj for 100 years, then the original essence of India would not have been the same today.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also present at the event, commented that British, and to some extent, later, native historians, had done an injustice to heroes from Indian history.
“The chapter on Hindvi Swaraj and the Maratha empire was even deleted from our history. It was made to believe that after the Mughals, it was the British who came to rule us. Due to this distortion, many of our real heroes were forgotten,” he said.
He concluded by stating, “But under the leadership of Modiji, attempts are being made to ensure that the real history of our heroes, warriors and freedom fighters reach to the next generations.”
(With inputs from PTI)