PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a source of inspiration, and the work done by him, his policies as well as the system of governance he put in place continue to be relevant even today as welfare of people was the basic principle of his administration.

In his video message played at the State-level function being held atop the Raigad fort, the PM said that Shivaji Maharaj’s vision and his magnificent personality set him apart from other heroes from history. Government’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” (One India, Supreme India) was a reflection of Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals, Modi said, adding that bravery, bold style of action, strategic skills were some of the traits of his personality, while farmers’ welfare, empowerment of women, making governance accessible to the common man, water management were a few of the features of his policies and administration.

“Welfare of the State and its people was the basic principle of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj 350 years ago is a social chapter as the spirit of ‘swarajya’ and nationalism was incorporated in it,” PM Modi said. It is the responsibility of a leader to keep his people motivated and confident. During Shivaji Maharaj’s times, the morale of people was low because of invasions, he said. “An attempt was made to break the morale of people by attacking our cultural centres... But Shivaji Maharaj not only fought the invaders, but also instilled the belief among people that ‘swaraj’ (self-rule) is possible,” he said.