Statement of RSS Sarakaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale on the occasion of 350th Anniversary of Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is one of those great personalities of Bharat who unshackled the society from the slave mentality and instilled a sense of self confidence and self-respect in it. He was coronated and Hindavi Swaraj was formed on Jyeshtha Shuddha Trayodashi. This year marks the commencement of 350th year of the establishment of ‘Hindavi Swaraj. On the eve of this, several programs will be organized throughout the country including Maharashtra. On this auspicious occasion, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) solemnly reminisces Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and appeals to the swayamsevaks and all the sections of the society to commemorate the epoch-making moment of the establishment of Hindavi Swaraj by participating in all such events.

The life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is full of unparalleled bravery, masterly strategy, thorough expertise in warfare, sensitive, fair and impartial administration, respect for women, staunch Hindutva and many such characteristics. Many incidents testifying the traits such as faith and confidence in his mission and God during adverse times, respect for parents and teachers, standing shoulder to shoulder with the compatriots in their moments of joy and despair and taking along all sections of the society, can be found in his life. Since childhood, with his persona, he inspired his compatriots to sacrifice their lives for the establishment of Swaraj which later became an inspiration for the patriots from other parts of Bharat. Even after his demise, the society successfully resisted an all-out attack for decades, which is a unique example in history.

The objective of the pledge to establish Swaraj taken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his childhood was not for mere attainment of power but to establish a state based on ‘Self’ for the protection of Dharma and culture. Therefore, he connected its foundation with the spirit of ‘This state is established by Shri’s (God) will. At the time of establishing Swaraj, creation Ashta Pradhan Mandal, ‘Rajya Vyavahar Kosh’, use of local language for administration, starting of Shiv shak as almanac, the use of Sanskrit royal seal, all his activities were directed for providing a firm footing to the ‘Swarajya’ established for the purpose of ‘Dharmasthapana’.

 
Today, Bharat is moving forward on the path of nation-building on the basis of its ‘self’ by awakening its social power; remembering the life journey of Chhatrapati Shivji Maharaj, who lived his life for the establishment of a Swaraj, is very relevant and inspiring.