India Must Lead in Every Field—Inspiration Comes from Peshwa Bajirao I’s Life: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Bajirao Peshwa Played a Key Role in Expanding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Empire: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Pune : Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Peshwa Bajirao I’s life story inspires and energizes us to strive for India’s leadership in every field globally. He was speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the equestrian statue of Bajirao I at the Trishakti Gate of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune.

The event was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Air Marshal (Retd.) Bhushan Gokhale, Southern Command GOC-in-C Lt. Gen. Dheeraj Sheth, NDA Commandant Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, MP Medha Kulkarni, and others.

Amit Shah highlighted Bajirao I’s conquests from Thanjavur to Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to Bengal’s Cuttack, describing it as the realization of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s dream of a grand Hindavi Empire. He praised Bajirao’s military planning, strategy, and speed, which turned many defeats into victories. “A close study of the Battle of Palkhed reveals its brilliance. He destroyed symbols of slavery and lit the lamp of freedom,” Shah said, noting that even international military strategists have praised Bajirao’s tactics.

Shah emphasized that certain military principles like strategy, speed, patriotism, and sacrifice never become outdated, and Bajirao I embodies all of them. He fought and won all 41 battles during his 20-year career until his death.

Shah credited Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with laying the foundation of a united and self-governed India, and noted how leaders like Sambhaji Maharaj, Tararani, Santaji, and Dhanaji kept the flame of Swarajya alive. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj later appointed Balaji Vishwanath and Bajirao I as Peshwas, ensuring the continuation of that flame.

Calling NDA the most fitting place for Bajirao’s statue, Shah said, “NDA trains the future leaders of all three defense forces of India. When they step out, inspired by Bajirao’s life, no enemy will dare breach our borders. Should future struggles arise to protect Swarajya, our military will be ready.” He also referenced Operation Sindoor as a recent example of India’s military resolve.

CM Devendra Fadnavis: Bajirao Expanded Shivaji Maharaj’s Empire with Unparalleled Success

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, under the guidance of Jijau Maa Saheb, united the people and defeated the Mughal invaders on all four fronts. Inspired by him, great warriors like Bajirao I emerged.

Fadnavis reiterated that Bajirao I never lost a single battle out of the 41 he fought. He expanded the Maratha Empire from Kabul in the north to Bengal in the east. His greatest weapon was speed—while Mughal armies advanced 8–10 km daily, Bajirao’s troops covered 60–80 km a day. International military scholars like Montgomery have hailed the Battle of Palkhed as a masterclass in strategy.

Fadnavis criticized colonial and post-colonial historians for ignoring heroes like Bajirao, who were integral to the Hindavi Swarajya and Maratha Empire. “Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, we are now working to bring such heroes into the national consciousness,” he said. He affirmed that NDA is the most appropriate location for this statue, given its role in shaping India’s defense leadership.

Symbol of Valor and Legacy

Air Marshal (Retd.) Bhushan Gokhale delivered the welcome speech. He noted that the NDA campus already hosts statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Tanaji Malusare, and now Bajirao I, all of whom inspire cadets to follow a path of valor.

Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, speaking at the event, called the memorial a symbol of valor and resistance, adding that the heroism of Shivaji’s Mavlas (soldiers) must be preserved not only in Indian languages but translated globally so that the world can appreciate this rich history.