Carry Forward Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy for India’s Development: CM Fadnavis

“Let us contribute to India’s development by upholding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals of self-faith, self-nation and self-language,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Zurich resonates with the inspiring notes of Maharashtra’s state anthem

Grand, magnificent and heart-warming welcome to the Chief Minister by Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal

Zurich, Jan 2026 : Calling upon everyone to carry forward the legacy of self-faith, self-nation and self-language given by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and take India on the lofty path of development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today accepted the welcome organised by the Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal in Zurich, Switzerland. Expressing confidence that Maharashtra will soon emerge as a trillion-dollar economy state of India, the Chief Minister said this would further enhance the pride of Maharashtrians living abroad. He respectfully referred to the Marathi community overseas as ambassadors of Maharashtra to the world.

Chief Minister Fadnavis arrived in Zurich today to attend the World Economic Forum. As he began his five-day visit, he was welcomed in a traditional Maharashtrian manner. The Chief Minister thanked the Marathi community for the warm reception marked by traditional attire, customs and enthusiasm. The hall in Zurich echoed with the inspiring strains of the Maharashtra state anthem.

The work of Marathi people is Maharashtra’s passport…!

He said that seeing traditional attire, traditional customs and traditional enthusiasm together made it clear that Maharashtrians living abroad are ambassadors of Maharashtra and the Marathi language. They create an impact and influence of Maharashtra’s culture and language. Marathi people have earned a name across the world, and because of their good work, they receive respect in many countries. The contributions made by Marathi people in the culture, business, trade and industry of their respective countries bring honour to India as well. Industries in these countries are keen to come to India, especially Maharashtra, because Maharashtrians are hospitable, welcoming and entrepreneurial. They are hardworking, and in this way, they have built a positive image of the Marathi community. On this strength, Maharashtra will once again be in the spotlight at the investment summit in Davos this year.

Maha-NRI Connect…!

Marathi-Indian communities across the world are engaged in diverse activities, many of which are meaningful, innovative and transformative. There should be an exchange of these ideas and efforts. For this, Marathi people connected with Bruhan Maharashtra must be linked with other Marathi communities across the world. This platform will prove important in that regard. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has given us the legacy of self-nation, self-faith and self-language. This platform will connect everyone around these three ideals, strengthen mutual contact and coordination, and open a new path of prosperity for all.

Maharashtra is prosperous because of cultural richness…!

The Marathi language has always been classical, but it needed official recognition. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special initiative in granting this recognition, Chief Minister Fadnavis said the efforts of overseas Marathi communities to preserve and enrich the Marathi language are commendable. Marathi schools are being run in Europe, and children are being taught the language. Language connects people with their culture, values, festivals, literature and arts. Maharashtra is considered prosperous not only materially but also culturally. The state has achieved both material and cultural prosperity, and it is because cultural richness was preserved that material prosperity followed. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Maharashtra will become India’s first trillion-dollar economy state within the next three years. He also noted that Maharashtra ranks first in foreign direct investment, startups, exports and manufacturing, hosts 60 percent of the country’s data centres, and leads in AI and defence manufacturing.

A transformed Mumbai every year… development in every city…!

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has seen massive infrastructure development, and Maharashtra leads in creating iconic infrastructure. The Chief Minister said Mumbai is being transformed, with more ambitious changes planned ahead. Each time Marathi people return to Mumbai every year, they will see a changed city. Within the next five years, Mumbai will surpass even the capitals of developed nations by 2030. This transformation will be visible not only in Mumbai but also in Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Nashik and Kolhapur. Maharashtra has gained strong momentum in development and will now move ahead rapidly, in line with its resolve that Maharashtra will not stop. The contribution of Marathi people living abroad will also be significant in this journey.

India’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr. Mridulkumar, welcomed Chief Minister Fadnavis. Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu also met him and congratulated him on the resounding success in the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections. Banners reading “Welcome Devabhau” were displayed at the event organised by the Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal. International Marathi Forum coordinator Amol Sawarkar informed that an initiative has been launched in Zurich to start Marathi language classes in various schools across Switzerland.