MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at the Symposium of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Talent Development Showcase in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (April 12):

Datuk Ng (President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, Mr Ng Yih-pyng), Datuk Yap (Vice President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, Mr Yap Heng-or), Professor Dr Andriyana (Director of International Relations Centre of Universiti Malaya, Professor Dr Andri Andriyana), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning to you all, 早晨 (good morning in Cantonese), 早上好 (good morning in Mandarin). I am really pleased to join you today at this Symposium as we celebrate our enduring friendship between Hong Kong and Malaysia. Clearly this is a relationship built on family ties, cultural bonds, and I am sure, a shared prosperity. And by shared prosperity, I am coming today not just with my own Government team, I am also coming together with hosts of companies, many of them are household names. 

     Let me just cite some of them, including the HSBC, Bank of China, Huawei, China Lights and Power, Manulife, MTR, PCCW, the Sino Group, the Sun Hung Kai Properties, the Chow Tai Fook Life, and also together with me the accompanies of Governemnt officials from Guangdong and Macao. We are coming here together as a big team to Malyasia.

     Clearly, as I can experience in the past two days, when I am in this great city, our special bond is all around us, be it through cultural language, as I keep on hearing Cantonese, Mandarin, English and other languages that I could not comprehend but I know is very prevalent here in Malaysia. Everyday, your professionalism across all sectors helped build to what you are today. 

     Let me give you a few figures of the very close ties between Hong Kong and Malaysia. In 2024, Malaysia was Hong Kong’s eighth largest trading partner, and ranked third in terms of trade in goods with Hong Kong among the ten ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Member States.
     
     Clearly, this synergy between us extends further through broader co-operation, and that co-operation is between our mother country China, and Malaysia. The trade linked between China and Malyasia totals US$200 billion. This is a hugely successful trade partnership that brings both benefits to China and Malaysia. And of course, Malaysia is a very important key supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative, demonstrating clearly the lasting friendship, the support and also the vote of confidence Malaysia has given us over the Belt and Road. 

     Together, we are building stronger co-operation that transforms businesses, industries, and lives of people. Through the Belt and Road Initiative as well as China-ASEAN co-operation, we have created thousands of jobs, pioneered groundbreaking technologies, and delivered transformative infrastructure projects like the 665-kilometre East Coast Rail Link uniting the Peninsular Malaysia, and the future-facing Malacca Gateway Port set to become Asia’s next great maritime hub.

     The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as the world’s largest trade bloc, provides new platforms for Malaysian entrepreneurs and Chinese innovators to grow together. Now we stand at the dawn of an exciting new chapter, as we just saw from the video, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, well-known in abbreviation, the GBA.

     The GBA has a population of nearly 90 million. Hong Kong is uniquely situated and positioned in this exciting area to serve dual roles. First of all, as China’s gateway to Southeast Asia, and also as Malaysia’s springboard to the vast opportunities within China’s domestic markets.

     As a “super connector” between Mainland China and Malaysia, Hong Kong leverages its unique geographic position, institutional strengths, and cultural advantages.

     Like Malaysia, Hong Kong is multilingual, fluent in Cantonese, English and Mandarin, this ensures a very smooth integration of Malaysian talent coming to Hong Kong. With world-class universities in both Hong Kong and Malaysia, we are intensifying our joint research efforts in transformative fields like AI (artificial intelligence) and biotechnology.

     To further strengthen this ecosystem, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government has recently established a high level Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents last year. I am the one providing full support to the Chief Secretary. 

     The Committee’s aim is to align with Hong Kong’s strategic positioning in “eight centres” developments. We are accelerating our transformation into a global innovation and technology hub while reinforcing our well-established pillars in finance, shipping and trade.

     The vision of the Committee is clear: to build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent, while supporting the Greater Bay Area’s high-quality development.

     In the following session, our partners will showcase how businesses and professionals can succeed throughout Hong Kong and the entire GBA cities.

     As a last remark, as the rules-based global trade order we have known and taken for granted for decades, is being shattered by the global force of the tariff war that is still unfolding before our eyes. It seems that the only certainty of the future is uncertainty. At this moment of great turmoil and uncertainties, I think it’s all the more important for us to rely more on the trust and friendship between good friends, and this is what Hong Kong and Malaysia are. I am certain if we hold and join hands together, we are going to weather the storm, grow and strive together, in that process we will create wealth and forge new ground, this is certain. 

     With all these remarks, I wish the Symposium a great success, and I hope for all the young people here, if you are looking for development opportunities in Hong Kong and the GBA, there is nothing more important than going to the Career Fair concurrently held at the showcase, where there are hundreds of jobs awaiting you.

     Thank you very much.

Source: Government of India

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla sets a heartfelt example, fulfils a 6-year-old promise, participates in marriage rituals of Pulwama martyr CRPF Jawan Hemraj Meena’s daughter in Sangod, Kota

Six years after CRPF soldier Hemraj’s martyrdom in Pulwama, his home witnesses joy again during his daughter’s wedding ceremony

Lok Sabha Speaker participates in traditional Bhaat (मायरा/भात) ceremony and fulfils a promise he made to a sister six years ago

Lok Sabha Speaker gets emotional, recalls Hemraj Meena’s supreme sacrifice and steadfast patriotism

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 12:30PM by PIB Delhi

Kota/New Delhi, 12 April 2025: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla has set a heartfelt example as he fulfilled his promise made years ago and participated in the wedding rituals of Late CRPF jawan Shri Hemraj Meena and Veerangana Madhubala in Sangod/Kota on Friday.

Six years after the martyrdom of Shri Hemraj Meena who made supreme sacrifice for the nation during Pulwama attack, there was an atmosphere of celebration in his courtyard for the first time on Friday as the family and relatives gathered for the wedding of his daughter Reena. It was a moment of sheer joy for the whole family, including Veerangana Madhubala – wife of Late CRPF Jawan Shri Hemraj Meena. Since Shri Meena’s martyrdom in 2019, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla stood tall with the martyr’s family during the tough time as a ‘Rakhi-brother’ of Veerangana Madhubala.

Since then, the “brother” not only supported the family but also kept his promise. yesterday, when the time came for Madhubala’s daughter’s wedding, this “brother” reached his sister’s house with mayra/bhaat (मायरा/भात) and performed this unique ritual. Seeing this emotional connection between ‘sister’ Madhubala and her ‘brother’, everyone present was overwhelmed. After all, it was none other than Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, who had arrived with मायरा at the wedding of the daughter of Pulwama martyr Hemraj Meena.

The Pulwama attack had left an indelible mark on the family of martyr Hemraj, plunging them into immense grief. However, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s timely support helped alleviate some of their pain. He formed a strong bond with Veerangana Madhubala, promising to stand by the family through life’s joys and sorrows. Over the past six years, on Rakhi and Bhai Dooj, Veerangana Madhubala tied Rakhi to him and did tilak. Lok Sabha Speaker once again stood with the martyr’s family when the occasion of the marriage of martyr Hemraj and Veerangana Madhubala’s daughter came.

BHAI NE UDHAI CHUNRI, BEHAN NE KIYA TILAK (भाई ने ओढ़ाई चुनरी, बहन ने किया तिलक)

Lok Sabha Speaker along with Sangod MLA and Rajasthan Energy Minister Shri Hiralal Nagar paid respect to Veerangana Madhubala at the event. According to the custom, the Speaker put a chunari on Veerangana Madhubala, while the sister did the tilak and aarti of Shri Birla. Shri Birla paid floral tributes at the statue of Shaheed Shri Hemraj Meena.

Emotions ran high as Veerangana Madhubala, Shri Birla and all the family members present there remembered Pulwama martyr Shri Hemraj Meena. Shri Birla said that martyr Shri Meena’s supreme sacrifice and patriotism remains a source of inspiration for entire nation.

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AM

(Release ID: 2121155) Visitor Counter : 12

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 11:25AM by PIB Delhi

Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review preparations being made for Haj 2025.

Dr. Kumar expressed satisfaction over the hygienic, stress-free stay facilities being ensured for a smooth pilgrimage experience.

 

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SS/ STK

(Release ID: 2121145) Visitor Counter : 72

Source: Government of India

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Government of Arunachal Pradesh hosts International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

11 Buyers from 3 countries, 17 Indian exporters from 7 States and Union Territories (UTs) and over 200 farmers participate

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 11:44AM by PIB Delhi

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh to promote agricultural and processed food products exports from Arunachal Pradesh and the broader North-Eastern Region (NER) of India.

In his keynote address, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu committed to developing the agricultural & allied sectors, enhancing farmer’s livelihoods, empowering Self-Help Groups and encouraged women led development. He envisions enhancing agri-exports of GI tagged Khaw Tai Rice (known as Khamti Rice), Mandarin Orange, Kiwi, Apple, Persimmon, Yak Cheese (Churpi), amongst others to South East Asian and ASEAN Countries. He encouraged domestic and international buyers to be a boon for the state and invest in the state’s untapped potential.

The Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu emphasized on the need to generate awareness and build capacity of the farmers of the state in order to ensure fair price for their agriculture products in domestic and international markets. He appreciated the farmers of the region for their unwavering commitment in producing the state’s finest Kiwi, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, walnuts and Value-Added Products like wines, amongst others.

The International Conclave cum Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) was also graced by Chief Secretary (CS), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Manish Gupta, Former Union Secretary, Government of India, Shri Siraj Hussain and Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, amongst several officers of the Central and State Government of India.

The Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, encouraged the identification of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)/ Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Arunachal Pradesh for participation in key national and international Trade Fairs for market access, promotion and outreach. He assured that APEDA and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh are committed to working together closely for the identification and development of focused agriculture products from Arunachal Pradesh for exports to international markets, infrastructure development, training and capacity building of farmers, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs), Start-ups and Exporters from the region as well as branding and international promotions of agriculture produce and Value Added Products from the state.

The International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet enabled direct interactions between 11 international Buyers from 3 countries including UAE, Nepal and Bhutan with 17 Indian exporters from 7 states and Union Territories (UTs) including Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Gujarat and West Bengal. The exporters from across the country also interacted with over 50 FPOs and 200 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh who participated in the event to understand the agri produce quality, availability and production quantities.

APEDA facilitated meaningful trade discussions amongst Policymakers, Buyers, Exporters, Exhibitors, industry leaders and experts from key sectors such as Organic produce, Millets, Honey, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Food, Spices and Tea aimed at unlocking the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s agri-business and processed food export sectors.

To realise the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit North East,” the Government of India through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and APEDA are working in close coordination.

Background:

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. APEDA works to develop, facilitate and promote the export of agricultural and processed food products products, providing invaluable support to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies and Indian exporters in navigating international markets.

 

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2121149) Visitor Counter : 21

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 12) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 9:38AM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India – co-leads the Mission Integrated Biorefinery jointly with the Netherlands as part of Mission Innovation (MI) 2.0. The Mission Innovation Annual Gathering-2025, a multilateral platform accelerating clean energy innovation, held at Seoul, South Korea during 9^th-11^th April 2025 brought together global leaders in clean energy technology. The term “Mission Innovation” was coined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during COP21, in collaboration with former French President François Hollande. India continues to play an active role under the Mission Innovation initiative.

At the Annual Gathering held in Seoul, the DBT being an integral member of the Indian delegation, participated in discussions on collaborative opportunities among diverse MI missions and platforms. The focus has been to advance the biorefinery approach for fuels, chemicals, and materials. During the event, the DBT presented BioE3 (Biotechnology for Environment, Energy, and Economy) Policy and demonstrated its pivotal role in addressing climate challenges and aligning national priorities under the Integrated Biorefinery Mission were extensively discussed at roundtables and reviewed by Mission Innovation members as well as the Technical Advisory Groups associated with the Missions.

The participants highlighted how the BioE3 Policy promotes sustainable and low-carbon manufacturing of fuels, chemicals, and materials. The Policy is designed to develop enabling technologies that foster an innovation-driven manufacturing ecosystem for a low-carbon future. Further, India’s efforts in integrating Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Bioenergy (CCUB) for the biomanufacturing of fuels, chemicals, and materials were shared with the MI community through roundtable discussions.

Deliberations were also focused on opportunities for research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) using biomass-based biomanufacturing approaches. The DBT also participated in focused sessions on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing priorities during visits to clean energy facilities, preceding meetings at Hanyang University and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, coordinated by the Indian Embassy in Seoul. It was observed that the Bioinnovations for fuels, chemicals, and materials are the opportunities for Mission Innovation Member countries to accelerate their decarbonization goals.

 

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2121135) Visitor Counter : 35

Source: Government of India

Character of Lord Rama has provided the Energy and Direction to sustain the flow of Indian Culture: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Ayodhya was Ancient India’s Soft Power: Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir

Three-day cultural celebration ‘Ayodhya Parv’ commenced with grandeur at IGNCA

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 10:30PM by PIB Delhi

The three-day cultural celebration ‘Ayodhya Parv’ commenced with grandeur at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), marked by the inauguration of three remarkable exhibitions—one featuring Padma Shri Vasudev Kamath’s paintings based on ‘Maryada Purushottam’ (Lord Ram), a display of Pahari miniature paintings based on the ‘Valmiki Ramayana’, and a thematic exhibition titled ‘Badi Hai Ayodhya’ that portrays the pilgrimage landscape of Chaurasi Kos Ayodhya.

The exhibitions were jointly inaugurated by the revered Mahant Pujya Kamal Nayan Das Ji Maharaj of Mani Ram Das Chhawani, Ayodhya; Geeta Manishi Mahamandaleshwar Pujya Gyananand Ji Maharaj; Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir; Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President of IGNCA; and IGNCA Trustee and artist Shri Vasudev Kamath. Following the inauguration, each dignitary shared their reflections on the spiritual and cultural eminence of Lord Ram and Ayodhya. Three books were also released during the inaugural session. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited and viewed the exhibitions on the occasion.

On this occasion, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat extended his congratulations to IGNCA and the Ayodhya Nyas for organising the ‘Ayodhya Parv’ and wished the event great success. He remarked that the character of Lord Rama has not only inspired Indian thought and individuals working across diverse fields, but has also provided the energy and direction necessary to sustain the continuous flow of Indian culture. He noted that during the most difficult period of cultural invasion by foreign aggressors, Goswami Tulsidas composed the ‘Ramcharitmanas’ in the language of the common people, connecting with the collective consciousness of ordinary individuals. This, he said, made a significant contribution to preserving the essence of Sanatan culture. Since the reinstallation of the Ram Mandir and the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya Dham, it appears as though the sun of India’s destiny has begun to rise once again.

The cultural proceedings commenced with an enthralling Mridang performance by Rajkumar Jha and his fellow artists Vinod Vyas and Shri Pankaj. This was followed by devotional renditions by Pragya Pathak, Vinod Vyas, Saket Sharan Mishra, and accompanying vocalists, which captivated the audience.

Speaking about the inauguration of the newly reconstructed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple on 22 January, Shri Manoj Sinha remarked, “I view 22 January not merely as a date but as a bridge that connects the past to the present in a significant manner.” He added, “This is not just the revival of an ancient city and pilgrimage site, but a spiritual awakening experienced by India across centuries. I believe the significance of Ayodhya transcends geography—it is the key to joy and awakening, the symbol of our cultural unity, and a guiding spiritual force. Ayodhya has long served as a cultural and spiritual foundation of our nation.”

Addressing the youth, he noted, “Ayodhya offers not only a spiritual pinnacle but also clearly embodies the values and aspirations of the individual. Lord Ram, in the context of Ram Rajya, is viewed as an embodiment of development, courage, justice, and a living dharma. Though he appeared in the Treta Yuga, he remains a visionary figure of good governance.” Shri Sinha further noted that India today runs the world’s largest social security programme.

Earlier, IGNCA President Shri Ram Bahadur Rai outlined the structure of the Ayodhya Parv and remarked that the message of Ayodhya is increasingly being preserved through books and journals. Referring to the released book ‘Chaurasi Kos ka Ayodhya’, he said, “While physical Ayodhya may be defined by 84 kos, the spiritual Ayodhya is infinite, like the sky.” Geeta Manishi Pujya Gyananand Ji stated that India is a land of traditions, and festivals hold a special place in these traditions. “India is not merely a geographic entity—it is a philosophy, a thought,” he said. Pujya Mahant Kamal Nayan Das Ji questioned, “In which verse of the Vedas is untouchability or discrimination mentioned?” He emphasised that knowledge cannot be complete without social harmony. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by former Faizabad MP Shri Lallu Singh.

Notably, the Ayodhya Parv, dedicated to the splendour of Indian culture, art, and devotion centred around Ayodhya, will continue for two more days, featuring a range of dialogues and cultural presentations. This three-day cultural festival is envisioned as a confluence of reverence, classicism, and discourse, bringing together saints, cultural thinkers, political leaders, scholars, and artists from across the country.

On the second day, 12 April, at 11 a.m., a seminar titled ‘Temple Management in Indian Society’ will be held, featuring prominent saints from Ayodhya along with administrative and cultural experts. On the same day, another session will explore ‘Goswami Tulsidas Ji’s Contribution to Innovations in Indian Culture’. Scholars from across India will present their insights during both sessions. The evening cultural programme will include solo tabla recitals and Kathak and Bharatanatyam performances by Richa Tripathi and accompanying artists.

On the final day, 13 April at 11 a.m., a symposium on ‘Shri Ram in the Essays of Kubernath Ray’will be conducted with the participation of renowned Hindi literary scholars. The concluding ceremony will feature the presence of Pujya Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust; Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly; IGNCA President Shri Ram Bahadur Rai; Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) and Head of Kala Nidhi Division at IGNCA; and eminent artist Shri Sunil Vishwakarma. The event will culminate with Alha singing by Faujdar Singh and group, and folk songs by celebrated singer Vijaya Bharti.

‘Ayodhya Parv 2025’ is a unique endeavour to rejuvenate Indian art, spirituality, and values, being realised in the capital city through the collaboration of IGNCA and Shri Ayodhya Nyas. This celebration seeks to revive the roots of Indian ethos nurtured through the ‘Ramayana’ and the verses of Tulsidas.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2121123) Visitor Counter : 12

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 12) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Shek O Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police today (April 12) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Mong Kok.

Moran Dante Elaine Cipolla, aged 27, went missing after she left MTR Mong Kok East Station yesterday (April 11) afternoon. Staff of a rehabilitation centre then made a report to Police.

She is about 1.5 metres tall, around 50 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with white complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved hoodie, a pair of black trousers and black sport shoes.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses a program in Raigad, Maharashtra, on the occasion of the 345th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

It is a matter of great fortune to visit the historic Raigad Fort, where the golden throne of Hindavi Swaraj was established

This historic Raigad Fort stands as a witness to the journey of young Shiva to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s final moments — bearing testimony to his entire legacy

The Central and Maharashtra governments are committed to making the Shivaji Memorial an inspirational place for the youth of the country

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj instilled Swadharma, Swabhasha, and Swaraj in every corner of India

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child in India learns about the life and legacy of Shivaji Maharaj (Shivcharitra)

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is carrying forward Shivaji Maharaj’s struggle for Swaraj, Swadharma and Swabhasha

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by adopting Shivaji Maharaj’s Royal Seal as the symbol of our Navy, has declared to the world that our country and our Swaraj are fully secured

The original vision of making India a global leader in every field was laid down by Shivaji Maharaj, and Prime Minister Modi is carrying that vision forward

At a time when people began to perceive Swadharma and Swaraj as crimes, Shivaji Maharaj, at the age of 12, took a vow to hoist the saffron flag from Sindhu to Kanyakumari

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed a program held at Raigad Fort in Raigad, Maharashtra, on the occasion of the 345^th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On this occasion, many dignitaries were present, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Murlidhar Mohol.

Addressing the program, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that it is a matter of great fortune to visit the historic Raigad Fort, where the golden throne of Hindavi Swaraj was established. He said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ignited an immortal spirit across every corner of India and willingness to sacrifice one’s life for one’s religion, language, and Swaraj. Soon, the region of Maharashtra, which was surrounded by the Adilshahi, Mughal, and Nizamshahi powers, transformed into Hindavi Swaraj. In just a few years, the dream of Swaraj began to be realized from Attock to Cuttack, and across the country from Bengal to Tamil Nadu in the south.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that when Shivaji Maharaj was born, the people of the country were engulfed in deep darkness. The environment was such that even imagining the idea of Swaraj seemed impossible. Within just a hundred years after the fall of Devagiri, the decline of Maharashtra and the entire southern region had taken place, and gradually, speaking of one’s own religion and self-rule came to be seen as a crime.

But in such times, a 12-year-old boy, inspired by his mother Rajmata Jijabai, took a vow to once again raise the saffron flag from the Sindhu River to Kanyakumari. Shri Shah said that he has read the biographies of many great leaders from around the world, but such unshakable willpower, indomitable courage, unimaginable strategy, and the ability to unite every section of society to build an invincible army — no one did it like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Shri Amit Shah said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj neither had fortune on his side, nor a powerful legacy, nor wealth or a large army. Yet, at a very young age, through his unbreakable courage and firm resolve, he inspired the entire nation with the mantra of Swaraj. In no time, he played a pivotal role in shattering the Mughal Empire, which had ruled for over 200 years.

When Shivaji Maharaj’s forces reached Attock, Bengal, Cuttack, and Tamil Nadu, then people across the land began to believe once again — that the nation, its religion, languages, and culture had been saved.

Union Home Minister said that the vision of making India the best in the world in every field was first laid down by Shivaji Maharaj. He added that today, 75 years after India’s independence, we stand tall before the world with pride, and we resolve that when India completes 100 years of independence, the country will achieve the number one position globally in every domain.

Shri Amit Shah said that Rajmata Jijabai not only gave birth to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also inspired him to revive Swaraj, Swadharma, and Swabhasha. When Shivaji was still very young, it was Jijabai who instilled in him the idea of liberating the entire country and becoming the founder of a Hindavi Empire.

Shri Shah stated that Rajmata Jijabai imparted values and virtues to the young Shivaji, and Shivaji turned those values into a mighty banyan tree. He further said that after Shivaji, Sambhaji Maharaj, Maharani Tarabai, Santaji, and Tanaji continued to fight against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb until his death. As a result, the man who called himself “Alamgir” (conqueror of the world) was ultimately defeated in Maharashtra, and his tomb remains here as a testament to that.

Shri Shah emphasized that it is our duty to ensure every child in India learns about Shivaji’s life and legacy. He said that Shivaji Maharaj should not be limited to Maharashtra — the entire country, and even the world, can draw inspiration from him.

Union Home Minister said that Swadharma, Swaraj, and Swabhasha are deeply connected to the self-respect of human life. Shivaji Maharaj brought these three core values of self-respect before the nation and the world. He did this at a time when invaders had crushed and defeated us, and a mentality of slavery got rooted in society. But Shivaji Maharaj broke this mindset of subjugation and re-established the Hindavi Empire, reigniting a spirit of pride, resistance, and independence among the people.

Shri Amit Shah said that the entire history of Shivaji Maharaj — from his birth to his last breath — is tied to this sacred land of Raigad. He also remembered the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who envisioned this sacred place as “Shiv Smriti”.

Shri Shah stated that the British deliberately tried to destroy Raigad Fort, as it was a powerful symbol of Swaraj. Tilak Maharaj recognized this significance and, through his famous slogan “Swaraj is my birthright”, re-established the commitment to Shivaji Maharaj’s vision of Swaraj.

He added that Tilak Maharaj began the movement to preserve this memorial, although the work couldn’t be completed during his lifetime. However, even during British rule, this site became a symbol — from Shiv Jayanti to Swaraj, marking the beginning of India’s freedom struggle.

Shri Shah said that the Maharashtra government is now continuing the noble work initiated by Tilak Maharaj to honor and preserve this legacy.

Union Home Minister said that the Central and Maharashtra governments are committed to transforming the Raigad memorial into not just a tourist destination, but a source of inspiration for the youth of the country by providing it with various modern facilities. He appealed to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to ensure that every student from classes 7 to 12 visits this sacred site at least once, so they can connect with the legacy and ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Shri Amit Shah said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established numerous principles in the field of administration. His concept of the Ashta Pradhan Mandal (Council of Eight Ministers) has been adopted today in the form of the Cabinet, and the Cabinet is essentially a broader version of the Ashta Pradhan Mandal.

He also mentioned that Shivaji Maharaj established several principles for justice which was implemented by those in power. Through his actions, Shivaji Maharaj set an example of good governance (Sushasan).

Union Home Minister said that Shivaji Maharaj’s final message was that the struggle for Swaraj, respect for Swadharma, and the immortality of Swabhasha should never stop. Shri Shah added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this struggle is moving forward with pride today. PM Modi has worked to give India a glorious place on the global stage.

He further stated that Shivaji Maharaj envisioned the restoration of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the access to all Jyotirlingas, and the revival of the Ram Janmabhoomi. These tasks have been fulfilled during PM Modi’s tenure. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which had been destroyed by Aurangzeb, was revitalized through the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi rule.

Shri Shah said that the whole country is committed to completing the remaining tasks to fully realize the message of Shivaji Maharaj. Shri Amit Shah said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj represents determination, dedication, sacrifice, bravery, self-respect, and the immortal spirit of Swaraj. He mentioned that the Maharashtra government has launched a campaign to bring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy to every household.

He further highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by making Shivaji Maharaj’s Royal Seal the symbol of our Navy, has declared to the world that our country and our Swaraj are fully secured.

Shri Shah also noted that Prime Minister Modi and the Maharashtra government are working towards having 12 historic forts recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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RK / VV / PR / PS

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