Mumbai: BJP national president JP Nadda on Thursday praised the legendary Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a symbol of courage, valour and patriotism at the unveiling ceremony of his statue in Mumbai. Nadda said that Shivaji Maharaj was not only a great ruler but also a visionary who laid the foundation of the Indian Navy and established a strong administration based on the principles of swarajya and surajya.
“I thank the organisers for giving me the opportunity to attend this programme. It is a matter of pride and honour for me to be here at the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is an inspiration for all of us. He was a brave and benevolent king who fought against the tyranny of the Mughals and protected the dignity and culture of India. He was also a farsighted leader who realised the importance of maritime security and built a formidable naval force. He was a true son of Bharat Mata who devoted his life for the welfare of his people and the glory of his nation,” Nadda said.
Nadda also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’, saying that the BJP government is working to fulfil the dreams of Shivaji Maharaj and other great leaders who sacrificed their lives for the country. He said that under Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as a strong, self-reliant and respected nation in the world.
“We will take forward the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ and will contribute to fulfilling the aim of Viksit Bharat. We will work for the development of every region, every state and every citizen of India. We will follow the path shown by Shivaji Maharaj and other freedom fighters who gave us the message of unity, diversity and harmony. We will make India a prosperous, powerful and peaceful country that will lead the world in the 21st century,” Nadda said.
The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which is being built in the Arabian Sea off the Mumbai coast, is expected to be the world’s tallest statue with a height of 212 metres. The project, which was conceived in 2004, received environmental clearance in 2018 and is expected to be completed by 2022. The statue, designed by renowned sculptor Ram V Sutar, will depict Shivaji Maharaj on a horseback with a sword in his hand. The project area will also include a museum, a library, an auditorium, a helipad and a jetty.
