Shivneri Inspires, Agra’s Red Fort Symbolises Pride: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Agra, February 2026 : The birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj offers the nation an opportunity to revisit a glorious and inspiring chapter of history, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He remarked that Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, is a land of inspiration, while Red Fort stands as a land of self-respect. Expressing confidence, the Chief Minister said that work on a memorial at the site in Agra where Shivaji Maharaj was once imprisoned would begin next year.

CM Fadnavis was speaking at the grand ‘Shivjanmotsav Bharatvarsh Ka’ celebration organised by Ajinkya Devgiri Pratishthan at the historic Red Fort in Agra on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti. The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil, Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, MLA Prashant Bamb, Anil Gupta of Meena Bazaar Trust, organiser Vinod Patil, and several other dignitaries. This marked the fourth year of this unique festival.

Highlighting the significance of celebrating Shiv Jayanti at the Red Fort, the Chief Minister said the tradition would be preserved with dedication. He recalled that on the previous Shiv Jayanti, a resolve was taken to construct a memorial at the very site where Shivaji Maharaj was held captive in Agra. A committee has been formed by the Maharashtra government for this purpose, while the Uttar Pradesh government has extended cooperation by approving land acquisition through a cabinet decision. The memorial’s construction is expected to gather momentum soon, and from next year, Shiv Jayanti will also be celebrated at that site.

CM Fadnavis further noted that while Shivaji Maharaj’s history was earlier taught mainly in Maharashtra, it should now be taught across the country. Respecting public sentiment, the new CBSE textbooks now dedicate 20 pages to Shivaji Maharaj’s history, which was earlier confined to just a paragraph. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the initiative to ensure that this history reaches every corner of the nation.

Looking ahead to 2030, the 400th birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, CM Fadnavis said with confidence that the celebration would be held at the same Red Fort in Agra in the presence of Prime Minister Modi. He underlined that while many warriors were born in India, Shivaji Maharaj was unique. At a time when many rulers compromised with the mighty Mughals, Shivaji Maharaj, inspired by Rajmata Jijau, took a pledge to establish a people-centric Swarajya. Uniting people from all communities, he laid the foundation of self-rule, self-respect, and pride in one’s language. His guerrilla warfare tactics gained global recognition, and more than a kingdom, he gave the nation a timeless ideology. Despite relentless Mughal efforts, Hindavi Swarajya endured, and history ultimately saw the burial of Aurangzeb on Maharashtrian soil.

CM Fadnavis added that the Maratha Empire later expanded from Cuttack to Attock, creating a brilliant yet often overlooked chapter of history, which the present government is now bringing back into national consciousness.

Union Minister C. R. Patil praised Shivaji Maharaj’s military strategy and justice system, noting that his guerrilla warfare methods remain relevant even today. He stressed the need to dispel misconceptions about the Surat campaign and highlighted Shivaji Maharaj’s exemplary respect for women and impartial justice.

Governor Haribhau Bagade emphasised the role of Rajmata Jijau’s values and inspiration in shaping Shivaji Maharaj’s resistance against injustice. Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar described Shivaji Maharaj as a selfless ruler who dedicated his entire life to the people, the nation, and dharma, and noted with pride that UNESCO has recognised 12 forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj as World Heritage sites.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Yogendra Upadhyay informed that a grand, world-class memorial commemorating Shivaji Maharaj’s valour is being developed in Agra under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with cooperation from the Maharashtra government.

The event featured rich cultural performances by artists from Maharashtra, including traditional songs, powadas, theatrical presentations, and a spectacular neon light and laser show against the backdrop of the Red Fort. The programme was anchored by Shreya Bugde, while renowned artist Vivek Patil presented Shivaji Maharaj’s inspiring saga using modern technology.