Mahad Satyagraha Laid the Foundation of Equality: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Pledge for an Egalitarian India in the Centenary Year

Raigad, March 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reaffirmed the commitment to equality, social justice, and constitutional values while addressing a programme marking the beginning of the centenary year of the historic Mahad Satyagraha at Mahad.

He stated that the Mahad Satyagraha, led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, was not merely a struggle for access to water but a fight for human dignity and equality.

A grand event was organised in Mahad (Raigad) by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department to mark the centenary year of the movement. The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, who also laid the foundation stone for the purification and beautification of the Chavdar Tale (tank), for which a fund of ₹55.80 crore has been approved.

Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, and several other dignitaries, public representatives, and officials were present at the event.

During the programme, floral tributes were paid to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue at the site through a helicopter flower shower.

Beginning his speech by paying tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. Ambedkar, the Chief Minister said that although a law was enacted in 1923 to open public water sources to all, it was not implemented effectively due to social discrimination. In response, Dr. Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha, which became a revolutionary milestone in the fight for social equality.

He emphasized that the movement was not just about the right to drink water but a broader struggle against untouchability and social inequality. As a result of this historic agitation, public water sources across the country were opened to all, laying the foundation for an egalitarian society.

Fadnavis highlighted the importance of passing this legacy on to future generations and said that the site of Chavdar Tale would be developed into a clean, sacred, and inspiring place. He also noted that the state government is implementing various initiatives to promote social justice.

The Chief Minister reviewed several initiatives, including providing government jobs to 98 family members of victims of atrocities against Scheduled Castes, financial support to the People’s Education Society, development work at Chaityabhoomi, and efforts to preserve Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy in London and Japan. He also announced plans to build a Maharashtra Bhavan in Bodh Gaya and efforts to establish a dedicated chair at the London School of Economics in Dr. Ambedkar’s name.

“India’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to all, and it is because of this that the country is progressing. We must resolve to eliminate inequality and untouchability and build an egalitarian society,” the Chief Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramdas Athawale suggested constructing a grand ‘Bhim Srishti’ memorial in Mahad as part of the centenary celebrations.

Minister Bharat Gogawale stated that the ₹55.80 crore project for the development of Chavdar Tale would be completed before the end of the centenary year, with a focus on providing modern facilities for visitors from across the country. Plans are also underway to develop ‘Shiv Srishti’ in Raigad and ‘Bhim Srishti’ in Mahad to strengthen the region’s cultural and historical heritage.

Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat noted that the government aims to elevate the historic site to global prominence, as it marks the beginning of Dr. Ambedkar’s social movement. He added that special emphasis will be placed on empowering marginalized communities through education, hostels, and welfare schemes.

In a significant initiative, appointment letters were distributed to 98 beneficiaries—family members of victims under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act—into government service by the Chief Minister, marking a first-of-its-kind step by the department.

The event concluded with a renewed call to strengthen unity and uphold the ideals of equality and social justice, inspired by the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.