Operation Sindoor Symbolises The Spirit Of Swaraj, Says HM Amit Shah At NDA Event

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled a statue of the legendary Maratha warrior and patriot Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune.

Addressing a gathering of dignitaries and cadets, Home Minister Shah emphasised the enduring relevance of Swaraj (self-rule) and connected it to contemporary challenges, citing Operation Sindoor as a modern example of India’s resolve to defend its sovereignty.

Operation Sindoor reflects India’s resolve

“Whenever the time comes to fight for Swaraj, we fight—and if needed, we will fight again,” Shah asserted. “Operation Sindoor is a recent example of that determination. But our vision of Swaraj also includes the dream of a great India envisioned by Shivaji Maharaj.”

Amit Shah paid rich tribute to Bajirao Peshwa, calling him a timeless symbol of dedication, strategy, and sacrifice.

“Bajirao never fought for personal gain. He fought for Swarajya and the nation. Despite immense power and influence, he remained a Peshwa for life,” Amit Shah said.

“In just 40 years, he created a legacy unmatched in Indian history.”

He added, “The National Defence Academy, where future chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are trained, is the most fitting place to honour such a warrior. His presence here will inspire generations of soldiers to uphold India’s sovereignty.”

Warfare may change, but the spirit remains eternal

Highlighting timeless military values, Shah said, “Strategy, speed, sacrifice, and patriotism lead armies to victory. While weapons evolve, these principles never go out of date. In the last 500 years of Indian history, no one embodies these values better than Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa.”

Shah noted that Bajirao fought 41 battles in 20 years and never faced defeat—a record unmatched by any commander.

The Home Minister also spoke about Pune’s historic significance in India’s struggle for self-rule.

“The values of Swaraj were born on this sacred land. Shivaji Maharaj began the movement from here, and later, Tilak Maharaj roared that ‘Swaraj is my birthright.’ This land also produced Veer Savarkar, who showed what a single person can achieve for the nation.”

PM Modi’s vision: Development with heritage

HM Amit Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with combining the forces of development and heritage.

“We must strive to make India the number one nation in the world. For this, we need inspiration, and Bajirao Peshwa provides exactly that. Our youth must learn about such great leaders whose stories were distorted by colonial rulers.”

Linking Bajirao’s legacy to the broader freedom movement, Amit Shah said, “If Shivaji Maharaj and the Peshwas hadn’t fought for 100 years, India’s cultural and structural identity might have been erased. They preserved not just our territory, but our civilizational essence.”

The event marked a powerful fusion of military pride, historical reverence, and nationalistic resolve.

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