EXTRACT OF BRIG HEMANT MAHAJAN'S SPEECH ON THE OCCASION OF HANDING OVER THE STATUES OF CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ TO THE MARATHA REGIMENT AT DHARAMSHALA AND MAHARANA PRATAP TO THE RAJPUT REGIMENT AT POONCH
Respected dignitaries on the dais, officers and soldiers of the Indian Army, office-bearers of the "Aamhi Punekar" organization, devotees of Shivaji Maharaj, patriots, and my dear brothers and sisters,
Today, we are witnessing a truly historic and emotional moment. Two memorials, two statues, and two great sources of national inspiration are being sent from the holy land of Pune to two illustrious regiments of the Indian Army.
One statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being dedicated to the Maratha Regiment at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, while the other statue of Maharana Pratap is being dedicated to the Rajput Regiment at Poonch in Jammu & Kashmir.
These are not merely statues cast in bronze. They are living memories of Indian history, universities of patriotism, and inexhaustible sources of inspiration for the Indian Armed Forces.
The memorials traveling today from Pune to Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh carry with them the message of India's history, culture, valor, and national pride.
India's Freedom Struggle Did Not Begin in 1857
We often narrate the history of India's freedom struggle beginning with 1857. However, India's resistance against foreign domination is several centuries older.
For nearly a thousand years, India faced repeated invasions and foreign rule. During this long struggle, many heroes emerged, but two names inspired the entire nation above all others:
Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Both demonstrated that no matter how adverse the circumstances, one must never surrender before foreign domination.
Both could have chosen a life of comfort. Both could have compromised with mighty empires. Yet neither accepted subjugation, because for them, self-respect was more important than power.
Maharana Pratap: The Symbol of Self-Respect
Maharana Pratap was not merely the ruler of Mewar; he was the embodiment of Indian self-respect.
Many rulers bowed before the vast Mughal Empire of Akbar, but Maharana Pratap refused. Despite overwhelming odds, he chose resistance. He endured hardship, exile, hunger, and suffering, yet never sold his freedom.
The greatest lesson from his life is:
"One may suffer defeat, but there is never any need to surrender."
Every Indian soldier standing guard on the nation's borders today draws inspiration from Maharana Pratap's courage and determination to fight against all odds.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: The Architect of Modern Indian Security
If Maharana Pratap symbolizes self-respect, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj can rightly be called the father of India's modern security framework.
Shivaji Maharaj did not merely build a kingdom; he laid the foundations of nation-building.
He demonstrated that national security depends not only on the size of an army but also on vision, organization, intelligence, and public participation.
He established:
- A network of strategically located forts.
- A highly effective intelligence system.
- Mobile and innovative warfare tactics.
- A powerful navy.
- Secure and defended frontiers.
Many principles that guide the Indian military today reflect the strategic thinking and military doctrines pioneered by Shivaji Maharaj.
The Indian Army and the Legacy of These Two Great Heroes
The Indian Army is today regarded as one of the most professional and disciplined forces in the world.
Indian soldiers serve in temperatures as low as minus forty degrees in the Himalayas. They stand guard in Siachen, fight in Kargil-like conditions, combat terrorism, and vigilantly protect the nation's borders.
In every such soldier lives the courage of Shivaji Maharaj and the self-respect of Maharana Pratap.
The Maratha Regiment is not merely a military unit; it is the living legacy of Maratha valor.
Similarly, the Rajput Regiment represents the uninterrupted tradition of Rajput bravery.
Therefore, installing the statues of these two national heroes in their respective regiments is both appropriate and historically significant.
Why Dharamshala and Poonch Matter
Dharamshala is nestled in the Himalayas, while Poonch lies in one of India's sensitive frontier regions.
At both locations, Indian soldiers shoulder the sacred responsibility of safeguarding the nation.
Whenever a soldier looks at these statues, he will be reminded that the struggle he undertakes today is not new. Our ancestors too sacrificed for centuries in defense of the motherland.
These memorials will thus create a living bridge between India's past and present.
Statues Are More Than Sculptures
A statue is not merely a piece of bronze or stone. It represents an ideal.
When we visit the National War Memorial in Delhi, we remember sacrifice. When we see the statues of Shivaji Maharaj and Maharana Pratap, we remember courage, self-respect, and patriotism.
These memorials will continue to inspire future generations.
One India: From Kashmir to Kanyakumari
In today's times, regional identities are often emphasized. Yet Shivaji Maharaj does not belong only to Maharashtra, nor Maharana Pratap only to Rajasthan.
Both belong to the entire nation.
A statue of Shivaji Maharaj is traveling from Maharashtra to Himachal Pradesh, while a statue of Maharana Pratap is being sent from Pune to Kashmir.
What greater example of national integration can there be?
Today, we are participating in an effort that binds India together through a common thread of national pride.
Message for India's Youth
Today's youth live in the age of social media.
They possess information, but often lack inspiration.
They have access to resources, but limited exposure to great role models.
That is why such memorials are important.
By studying Shivaji Maharaj, young people learn leadership.
By studying Maharana Pratap, they learn self-respect.
By studying the Indian soldier, they learn dedication and sacrifice.
Relevance to National Security
National security is not secured by weapons alone.
The true security of a nation rests on three pillars:
- National Character
- National Unity
- National Pride
A society that takes no pride in its history cannot build its future.
A nation that does not respect its heroes cannot inspire sacrifice for national defense.
Therefore, memorials such as these make both a direct and indirect contribution to national security.
Appreciation for "Aamhi Punekar"
The initiative undertaken by the "Aamhi Punekar" organization is truly commendable.
Many organizations engage in social service. Others work in the cultural sphere. However, very few organizations successfully connect history, culture, patriotism, and the armed forces.
Today, they have upheld the proud traditions of Pune, Maharashtra, and the spirit of national unity.
This event will remain an inspiration for future generations.
Conclusion
Friends,
The statues being sent today to Dharamshala and Poonch are, in reality, ambassadors of Indian national consciousness.
They will inspire soldiers.
They will guide the youth.
They will preserve the memory of history.
They will strengthen national unity.
They will remind us of India's unbroken tradition of resistance and sacrifice.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj taught us:
"Swarajya is our birthright."
Maharana Pratap taught us:
"Self-respect must never be sold at any price."
The Indian Army today is the living inheritor of both these ideals.
Therefore, this ceremony is not merely about presenting statues. It is a celebration of India's eternal national memory, a meeting of history and the present, and a tribute to the enduring traditions of courage, self-respect, and patriotism.
Let us all pledge to carry forward the light of these great national heroes to future generations.
Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji!
Long Live Maharana Pratap!
Victory to the Indian Armed Forces!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
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