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.