Mulshi Valley: A land of Inspiration for both ‘Swarajya’ and Freedom struggle –Sharad Pawar
Pune, 18th June 2025: Former Union Agriculture Minister and MP Sharad Pawar stated on Wednesday that the Mulshi Valley was the “only land that inspired both Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s establishment of Swarajya (self-rule) and the freedom struggle.” He remarked that honoring personalities like Dr. Jaisingrao Pawar, a renowned historian, and Dr. A. H. Salunkhe, a senior history researcher and thinker, with the ‘Shivswarajya Bhushan’ award is a fitting tribute to their work inspired by Shivaji’s ideals.
The ‘Shivswarajya Bhushan’ award, presented by Sahyadri Pratishthan, Mulshi, was conferred upon the recipients by Pawar and Kolhapur MP Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj. The award ceremony, held in Bhugaon, was attended by notable figures including MP Supriya Sule, former MLA Jagannath Shewale, former Zilla Parishad member Shantaram Ingavale, NCP (SP) Pune City President Prashant Jagtap, Sambhaji Brigade’s Praveen Gaikwad, history researcher Shrimant Kokate, senior leader and former MLA Ulhas Pawar and Anil Pawar, President of Sahyadri Pratishthan.
Speaking at the event, Pawar highlighted Mulshi Valley’s significant role, stating, “This Mulshi Valley was at the forefront during the tumultuous period of Swarajya, and it remained connected to the freedom movement, even up to Senapati Bapat’s Mulshi Satyagraha. Sahyadri Pratishthan, Mulshi, is diligently carrying this work forward.” He also underscored the contributions of both awardees to Maharashtra’s progressive journey, adding that such programs are crucial for maintaining the state’s progressive values.
In his speech, Pawar emphasized that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Swarajya was not the rule of the Bhosale family or that of an individual, like various sultans who ruled Maharashtra. Instead, it was the “Rayat’s (common people’s) kingdom.” He noted that while many kings and emperors have come and gone, people remember Hindavi Swarajya, which still reigns in people’s hearts today.
Accepting the award, Dr. A. H. Salunkhe expressed that the award increases their responsibility and is a moment of great pride. He lauded Shivaji Maharaj’s foresight by recalling a treaty made with the Dutch during his southern campaign after his coronation, which prohibited the buying and selling of local people as slaves.
Historian Dr. Jaisingrao Pawar, in his acceptance speech, expressed joy at receiving the award in the Mulshi region. He articulated that the concept of Swarajya was not the rule of feudal lords but “the rule of common people.” He highlighted Shivaji Maharaj’s constant concern and care for ordinary people, evident in every letter he had dictated, which is why Shivaji’s kingship is still lauded in today’s democracy.
Dr. Pawar also stated that the country currently faces the threat of communalism, and in such times, the idea of equality of all religions is essential. He stressed that Shivaji’s kingdom was not merely a “Hindu” kingdom, which is why even the Mughal historian Khafi Khan praised the Maharaj. He concluded by noting that the concepts of nation-building, freedom, and sovereignty that the country holds today emerged from the creation of Swarajya. He also informed attendees that his biography of Shahu Maharaj has been translated into 12 of 25 global languages.
In his presidential address, MP Shri Shahu Maharaj commended Sahyadri Pratishthan for undertaking numerous initiatives inspired by Shivaji’s work. He emphasized the importance of honoring such thinkers to preserve Maharashtra’s progressive nature in the state’s modern development. He also praised MP Supriya Sule’s work and advised her to take on leadership roles in the future.
Anil Pawar, President of Sahyadri Pratishthan, Mulshi, gave the introductory speech, and Mahesh Malusure delivered the vote of thanks.
