Chhatrapati Shivaji: A visionary and guiding light’

Chhatrapati Shivaji: A visionary and guiding light’
New Delhi: April 29, 2012

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a true nationalist and visionary, who through his exemplary courage and administrative acumen inspired generations of countrymen across Bharat. Importantly, he continues to do so even today and his thoughts on statecraft should serve as a guiding light for the present and future generations.

A few binding themes, such as these, marked the launch of a book “Shivaji & Suraj” authored by Anil Madhav Dave, a member of the Rajya Sabha.

“The vision, thoughts and administrative acumen of Shivaji Maharaj have inspired many generations of our countrymen. Even during present times the thoughts of Shivaji is worth emulating for each one of us,” said Shri Mohanrao Bhagwat Ji, SarSanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Shri Bhagwat further explained that Shivaji led from the front at a time when around 350 years of foreign rule had made the entire society pessimistic and a sense of gloom prevailed all around. “Shivaji broke shackles, both mental and physical, and instilled new vigour among all countrymen. He established a glorious polity, led it towards victory and spread nationalism all around.”

Shri Bhagwat was the Chief Guest at the book launch function.

Anil Madhav Dave, also a Swayam Sevak of the RSS said his book is a result of in-depth research and objective analysis of historical facts. “Shivaji was a meticulous planner who planned everything in great detail. His acumen in military strategy is well known across the world, but he had great insight in administrative and financial matters as well,” Shri Dave said.

Also present on the dais along with Shri Dave and Shri Bhagwat was Shri Suresh Prabhu, former minister under NDA regime. “Shivaji talked about environment and water conservation when there was no perceptible threat to environment. This only endorses his foresight and make his thoughts relevant in present times,” said Shri Prabhu.

The book "Shivaji & Suraj" is being published by Prabhat Prakashan.

Shri Suresh Soni ji Sah Sarkaryawah of RSS was also present at the book launch.

The launch event was attended by around 500 people that included distinguished leaders from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bhartiya Janta Party. Shri LK Advani, Shri Murli Manohar Joshi, Smt Sushma Swaraj and Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad were among the BJP leaders present at the book launch event.