Kiran Mane Praises Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj’s Vision for Social Equality and Nation Building

Pune, 7th May 2026: Actor Kiran Mane said that social justice was the greatest contribution of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj to the country. He described Shahu Maharaj as liberal, disciplined, and deeply sensitive toward society.

He was speaking at a special lecture organised on the occasion of the death anniversary of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. The programme was jointly organised on Tuesday, May 6, 2026, by the Savitribai Phule Pune University School of Education and Sarathi Shoshad Vidyarthi at the Sant Namdev Auditorium on the university campus.

Among those present were Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar, Sarathi representative Shrikant Deshmukh, and School of Education Director Dr. Vilas Adhav. Arjun Salunkhe delivered the introductory remarks, while Tukaram Shinde proposed the vote of thanks.

Speaking about the contributions of Shahu Maharaj, Mane said he demonstrated a progressive vision for development by adopting a universal water conservation policy, establishing a dedicated water conservation department, appointing officers for the initiative, and constructing the Radhanagari Dam with a provision of ₹1 lakh. He also highlighted that Shahu Maharaj allocated ₹3 lakh for primary education, reflecting his strong commitment to social progress.

Dr. Vilas Adhav said that Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had once written that Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj would become a pillar of Indian democracy. He added that Shahu Maharaj believed an educated society was essential for long-term national development.

Dr. Parag Kalkar said that treating every individual with humanity would be the true tribute to Shahu Maharaj.

Mane further stated that Shahu Maharaj used royal authority for the upliftment of the poor and marginalised sections of society. He said the ruler encouraged widow remarriage, worked toward caste abolition, promoted inter-caste marriages, and introduced legislation against domestic violence in 1919.

Calling Shahu Maharaj the “father of reservation,” Mane said he was also a strong supporter of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. He added that a true ruler should unite people rather than divide them.

“The true heir of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was Shahu Maharaj,” Mane said. Referring to Shahu Maharaj’s secular outlook, he added, “Whatever religion you follow should remain within your home; once outside, the nation should be the only religion.”

Mane also said that after ascending the throne, Shahu Maharaj revived the Shiv Saka calendar system and initiated the preparation of the Rajkosh. He further noted that through a proclamation issued on April 14, 1894, Shahu Maharaj directed government officials not to accept anything free of cost from citizens.