Shiv Jayanti – Paying an Apt Tribute

The present age is often termed as the media age. There are numerous tools at our disposal that cater to our need to communicate with each other. Freedom of expression has become our second nature. In fact we rarely think about what we speak. Freedom of movement is exercised by millions everyday. And many of us are not even aware that we have 'Freedom of religion' because rarely anyone has to exercise it consciously. But imagine yourselves living in an age where these freedoms don't exist. Where hunger is prevalent and people are starving. Where people have to pay 'jizya' to go to pilgrimage sites. Where people are not free to celebrate festivals and worship their Gods openly. This was Maharashtra before Shivaji Maharaj. Its said that, 'The darkest hour is just before the dawn'. The arrival of Shivaji Maharaj was the first ray of sunlight tearing through the heart of surrounding darkness. Shiv Jayanti is the celebration of the birth of a Maratha King in simple terms. But in reality it is meant to celebrate the end of the darkness. This is the day when you end the darkness of ignorance and try to enlighten yourselves with the knowledge of the life of Shivaji Maharaj.

Shivaji Maharaj was born in the Bhonsle family to Shahaji and his wife Jijabai. Shahaji Maharaj was a Maratha general who served The Adilshah of Bijapur. The seeds of Swarajya were sown in Shivaji's heart and mind by his mother Jijabai. She was a patriot and devout Hindu who was pained to see her country suffer the tyrannies of the Deccan Sultanates. She nurtured the dream of Swarajya in her heart long before the birth of Shivaji and she realized that dream by raising her son to be a proud, capable, just and courageous leader. At the age of 16, Shivaji captured the fort of Torna and ignited a small flame of hope amidst the seemingly perpetual darkness of foreign rule. The dream of Swarajya had started to materialize and in a few years its expanse had captured the imagination of the populace. During the course of his life, Shivaji Maharaj had triumphed the odds stacked against him numerous times. One has to only read about his encounter with Afzal Khan, the defeat of Shaiste Khan and his daring escape from the clutches of Mughal Badshah Aurangazeb to get an idea. In his quests he was aided by many brave soldiers and generals who only had their valour, loyalty and love to offer. There would have been no Shivaji if there was no Baji Prabhu to defend Paavan Khind until his last breath. There would have been no Shivaji if there was no Jiva Mahala to save him from the sword of Sayyed Banda. There would have been no Swarajya if there was no Tanaji Malusare who cared more about winning Sinhagad (the Lion's Fort named after his sacrifice) for Swarajya than his son's wedding. Shivaji Maharaj was not the king of the territory he ruled, he was the king of the masses he loved and protected, and who loved him back with equal fervour.

His life is a roadmap for people of all generations, of all faith. But we have reduced it to flashy messages, patriotic songs and powadas blaring on the loudspeakers on his Jayanti, and heaping garlands on his statue. Bal Gangadhar Tilak had started this practice of celebrating Shiv Jayanti publicly to inspire people to overthrow the shackles of foreign rule. India is an independent country now; we are the guardians of our own fate, our own future. But the spirit of Shiv Jayanti must live on. It must live on in our deeds, our thoughts, our speech, our literature. We should start by reading Shivaji Maharaj's biography. See how he treated people. Understand how people around him affected his life. Learn about his struggles. Feel his difficulties. And then try to imbibe some of his qualities, try to follow his footsteps. Life of Shivaji Maharaj is full of anecdotes and examples from which we have a lot to learn. The focus and dedication of Shivaji Maharaj when he was learning swordsmanship and other martial skills is an inspiration to any student. The skill and perseverance shown by Dadoji Konddev, Raje's teacher, is a shining example for all the teachers. Every mother should look up to Jijabai who raised her son not only with love but discipline too. Jiva Mahala and Baji Prabhu are epitomes of friendship and brotherhood. If you are a diplomat Shivaji's statesmanship has a lot to teach you. If you are a HR manager there's a lot for you to learn from Shivaji's administration. Whoever you are and whatever you do, you will find something worth learning, worth following, worth teaching from this king who still dwells in peoples' hearts.

Today, elections are contested on the promise of Swaraj. People expect the government to provide them everything, which ranges from a job to a clean street. But people forget that the definition of Swaraj itself means that people themselves are part of the government, and it is as much their responsibility to keep the streets clean as it is of the government's. Only political class isn't accountable to bring about Swaraj but it is on each individual to follow the principles of Swaraj and safeguard it. Imagine if Jijabai had just kept on complaining about the atrocities that the people of Maharashtra suffered. There was no need for Shivaji Maharaj to conquer forts on hilltops, to fight to free his land, to suffer hardships at his age when he could have easily spent his life in luxury. Hadn't they decided to act upon the circumstances, the injustice and the challenges they faced, we probably wouldn't have been able to write or read this article freely. So let's try to build upon their legacy instead of showing our cosmetic patriotism and respect by merely sending and receiving catchy messages. Let's strive to make Swaraj a reality. Let’s try to be responsible, proud and cognizant people. This, will be the apt tribute to our great king Shri Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Jai Hind.