Vijayawada, April 3: BJP Andhra Pradesh state president P.V.N. Madhav on Friday said that the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remains an enduring source of inspiration for every Indian, and that his ideals continue to hold relevance in contemporary times.

Speaking at a programme organised in Satyanarayanapuram, Vijayawada, to mark the death anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, Mr. Madhav said the Maratha warrior-king had carved a unique place in history by resisting the Mughal empire and establishing the Hindavi Swarajya. He noted that inspired by his mother Jijiyabai, Shivaji had built numerous forts and consolidated his kingdom, and that the coronation at Raigad had heralded a wider awakening of Hindu consciousness. He added that the people of his era had regarded Shivaji as a divine figure.

Tracing Shivaji's connections with the Andhra region, Mr. Madhav said historical records suggest that the Maratha king's campaigns had extended as far as Visakhapatnam, and that he had undertaken penance at Srisailam.

Turning to the present, Mr. Madhav called upon the gathering to remain vigilant against forces attempting to divide the nation, and to cultivate a deeper respect for one's own dharma. He referred to the Central government's progress in suppressing Left-wing extremism, describing it as a significant step in safeguarding national security.

Against the backdrop of conflicts in various parts of the world, Mr. Madhav said India's philosophy of Sarva Dharma Samabhavana — equal respect for all faiths — positioned the country as a moral guide for the world and underlined its credentials as a Vishwaguru. He stressed the need to carry Shivaji's ideals to every section of society.

The programme was attended by BJP state general secretary Sannareddy Dayakar Reddy, SC Morcha state president Panatala Suresh, RSS representative Krishna Nagalingam Shivaji, and others.

Vijayawada, April 3: BJP Andhra Pradesh state president P.V.N. Madhav on Friday called for greater government support and welfare measures for traditional dappu percussion artists, emphasising that the art form is a vital symbol of the state's cultural heritage.

Speaking at a round table conference of dappu artists' associations organised by the BJP SC Morcha in Vijayawada, Mr. Madhav said it was imperative to protect the tradition while ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities for its practitioners. He announced that the party would soon organise a large-scale programme bringing together dappu artists from across the state.

The BJP leader said efforts would be made to extend pension benefits to artists who are yet to receive them, and to increase the pension amount for those already enrolled. He also spoke of steps to restore the dandora announcement posts within the panchayat system and to create avenues for dappu artists in temple events and government publicity programmes. He stressed the need to provide instruments to artists through schemes such as Aadarana.

Artists who participated in the meeting raised the shortage of leather used in making dappu drums as a pressing concern, urging that raw materials be made available through the leather industry. They appealed for both social recognition and financial security for a vocation passed down through generations.

BJP SC Morcha state president Panatala Suresh reaffirmed the party's commitment to resolving the problems faced by dappu artists and improving their living standards. Sanskrit Telugu Academy chairman R.D. Wilson said the artists play a crucial role in the country's cultural fabric, noting that they have historically served as carriers of public information through community announcements.

The meeting was also attended by Bulla Rajarao, president of the Charmakara Sangham, Paragonda Joshi, state president of APTKS, and Minority Morcha state president Syed Basha, among others.