conic ‘Wagh Nakh’ on display for all Fadnavis inaugurates exhibition,urges students to draw inspiration

 

THROUGH

 

his administration, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj provided an ideal example in statecraft, encompassing just governance, environmental protection, social harmony, and respect for all faiths. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the government was committed to preserving this rich heritage and passing it on to the new generation. Speaking at the main function organised at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium after inaugurating the exhibition of weapons from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s period at the Central Museum in Civil Lines, Fadnavis said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with his intellegence, disemboweled Afzal Khan who tried to deceive him. I hope the Contd on page 8 students, especiallyofVidarbha, will draw inspiration from such instances of Shivaji’s life.” He acknowledged theefforts tobring these artifacts to a wider audience, expressing hope they would ignite pride and inspire young people. Fadnavisreflectedon thechallenges of Shivaji Maharaj’s era, whenMaharashtra’s culture was under threat. He credited ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharajwith safeguardingindependence and laying the foundation for present-day freedoms. “India was going through turbulent times during Shivaji Maharaj’s era, when the very survival of our culture andidentitywas at stake.

 

Insuch times,ChhatrapatiShivaji Maharajvaliantlyfoughtandlaid the foundation for the freedom that we enjoy today,” said Fadnavis. Revenue Minister and Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Cultural Affairs Minister Adv Ashish Shelar, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department Vikas Kharge, Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, District CollectorDrVPItankar,Mudhoji Raje Bhosale, and other prominent officialswerepresent at the function. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar echoed the sentiments exudedbyFadnavis,highlighting the department’s dedication to disseminating Maharashtra’sglorioushistory.He positioned the exhibition as a key initiative in this endeavor, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Development from Heritage’.

 

The event also saw the release of an informative booklet on Shivakalin weapons and a commemorative postage stamp featuring the Waghankhe. VikasKharge,AdditionalChief Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department,introduced theprogram, while Prasad Oak served as themasterofceremonies.Tejas Garge, Director of the Department of Archeology and Museums, proposed the vote of thanks. Before themain eventin Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium, CM Fadnavis inaugurated and toured the Central Museum where the‘WaghNakh’ (Tiger Claws) of Shivaji Maharaj are being displayed and learned about Maratha-era weaponry. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, AdvAshishShelar,SujataSaunik, Vikas Kharge, Dr Abhijeet Chaudhary, Dr VPItankar, and Mudhoji Raje Bhosale were also present at the Central Museum. MaharashtraGovernmenthas brought the ‘Wagh Nakh’ back from theUK for this special exhibition, called ‘Shivashastra Shaurya Gatha’. The exhibition features several Maratha-era weapons, including swords, shields, and the dandpatta. Attendees will get to see live demostrationsof theuseof these weapons and also Martial Arts performances.