A Wave of Pride and Chiief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's Tribute to India's Timeless Civilisations
Yesterday was a day that stirred something deep within me.
I had the rare privilege of being at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Special Centre for Security and Strategic Studies, and the inauguration of the Kusumagraj Special Centre for Marathi Language, both graced by Maharashtra’s dynamic Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Industries & Marathi Language Minister, Shri. Uday Samant.
A wave of nostalgia swept over me as I entered the campus. Thirty years ago, I would often visit JNU to meet a close friend who was studying there. Driving past those familiar paths, surrounded by green trees and brick coloured buildings brought back warm and vivid memories. The campus still holds its quiet charm, but yesterday, there was something different in the air, a sense of pride and purpose.
The Convention Centre was overflowing, with parliamentarians, students, faculty, and guests gathering to witness the launch of two initiatives that were not only timely but deeply significant.
The highlight of the day was CM Devendra Fadnavis’s speech which was powerful, personal, and intensely full of pride. He spoke with deep reverence about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, not just as a historical figure but as a living symbol of courage, wisdom and vision. His powerful description of Shivaji Maharaj's strategic intelligence and the valour of Marathas who had carried forward his legacy by strengthening the Maratha empire across Bharat gave me goosebumps.
One of the most powerful moments was when he spoke about the Maratha naval strength, a fleet so strong and fearless that it kept even the British at bay.
“Much before the British had built their empire on the seas, the Marathas had already hoisted their saffron flags across the Konkan coastline.” he thundered.
It wasn’t just about maritime strength, it was about preserving our sovereignty, our identity, our pride.
He also spoke about the impregnable forts like Raigad and the twelve Marartha forts that were recently recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. “These weren’t just stone walls,” he said, “they were the epicentres of Swarajya.”. Having visited many of these forts over the years, I suddenly found them to be more alive and sacred.
But what touched me even more was the way he extended this pride beyond Maharashtra. He spoke about the Chola Empire , their naval supremacy and rich cultural legacy with equal reverence. He rightly said that “From the Marathas to the Cholas, India’s legacy is one of strength, self-rule, and wisdom.”
As someone who believes in the beauty of India’s diverse heritage, this inclusiveness warmed my heart.
CM Fadnavis also made a passionate appeal to take pride in one's mother tongue.
“Language is not only a means of communication, it is the soul of a civilisation, and we must learn to appreciate and respect all languages.
This call to celebrate all Indian languages while honouring one’s own was met with hearty applause.
The event was further elevated by JNU Vice-Chancellor Smt. Shantishri Pandit, who invoked the energy of Shakti, the divine feminine force. Her speech was not just symbolic, it was strong, fearless, and full of conviction. Her presence and words showed that JNU is embracing Bharat’s civilisational heritage with renewed clarity and confidence.
Also present was Shri Uday Samant, Maharashtra’s Industries and Marathi Language Minister, who reaffirmed his commitment to the new Centre for Marathi Studies at JNU. You could feel the emotion behind his words which was full of purpose and pride.
As I stepped out of the Convention Centre, the sky above was golden, reflecting the pride for our rich culture, tradition, resilience and stories that shape who we are.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj can never be confined to the pages of textbooks or history. He lives on as a spirit and as CM Fadnavis rightly said,
“He will always be a flame of inspiration for generations to come.”
Yesterday, that flame burned bright in my heart and that of Delhi, and I glowed in it's warmth.
R. Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner, Delhi
Compassionate Bureaucrat &
PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay