‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life providesSOLUTION to all problems of our nation’

 

 

 

“IGNITING consciousness about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every heart is solution to all problems faced by our nation,” said Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, Treasurer of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, Ayodhya. Revered as ‘Swamiji’, he was speaking after being honoured with‘JijamataVidvat Gaurav Puraskar’ by Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium, Reshimbag, here on Sunday. Govind Dev Giri Maharaj was felicitated at the hands of Mukundkaka Jatdevlekar, President, Gyaneshnandini Pratishthan, Pathardi.‘Dharma Bhaskar’ Sadgurudas Maharaj was the chief guest at the ceremony which was presided over by Ajey Deshmukh, President of Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan, Nagpur-Pune. Govind Dev Giri Maharaj rued that the inspirational life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had not been promoted in many parts of the country. “Post-independence, the education system has ignored patriotic and great inspirational personalities of our country,” he stated. Govind Dev Giri Maharaj became the 42nd recipient of the ‘Jijamata Vidvat GauravPuraskar’. Responding to the felicitation, he said, “I was offeringprayers to nine forms of Goddess Jagdamba for ninedays this Navratra. And to behonoured with the award immediately after is a blessing of the goddess herself.

 

 

I consider this to be the pinnacle of all awards I have received, as it symbolises a mother’s love.” Emphasising the importance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in nation-building, he said, “When anybody asks me how to nurture future generation, I tell them to imbibe principles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Swami Vivekanand in the hearts of today’sgeneration. This will result in shaping the future citizens of the country.” At the outset, the dignitaries were welcomed with bouquet and memento. Women members of Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan showered rose petals upon Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, Mukundkaka Jatdevlekar and his successor Govind Jatdevlekar to accord traditional welcome. On the occasion, a special Diwali edition of ‘Patrabhet’ magazine, ‘Ashtalaxmi Visheshank’ was released at the hands of Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj. Mukundkaka Jatdevlekar, in his address, appealed to people to draw inspiration from the life of Chhatapati Shivaji Maharaj.

 

He said, “We should draw inspiration from life of Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj and our behaviour will reflect if we are doing it in a right manner or not.” Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was nothing less than an incarnation of god as his orders and words were accepted and followed by all, he added. ‘Dharma Bhaskar’ Sadgurudas Maharaj expressed his pleasure over Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj delivering discourses on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life. He said. “I was waiting for a personality of his stature to start delivering discourses on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His preachings will help in spreading the life story and ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj home and abroad. He will shed light on the greatness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jijamata and Ramdas Swami in a true sense.” Ajey Deshmukh, in his introductory speech, gave information of the 50 years’ journey of Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan. He outlined the future plans of the organisation and projects undertaken by it like providing technical education to underprivileged students in Akola district and publication of English edition of ‘Chhatrapati Shivrai’ book at San Jose, California, USA in 2025. Mohan Barbade of ‘Patrabhet’ compered the programme while Sanjay Deshkar proposed a vote of thanks.