PM’s message on Centenary Celebration of Baba Saheb Purandare

Published By : Admin | August 13, 2021 | 20:34 IST
All of us will always be indebted to him for his sterling contribution of taking the life and history of Shivaji Maharaj to people: PM
It is impossible to imagine India’s form, its glory without Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: PM
‘Hindavi Swaraj’ of Shivaji Maharaj is an unparalleled example of justice for the backward and the deprived and a war cry against tyranny: PM
I appeal to the young historian to maintain the same standards as Baba Saheb Purandare when they write the History of India’s freedom Struggle on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid rich tributes to Baba Saheb Purandare ji on entering the 100th year of his life. Speaking at the celebration to mark Centenary year of Baba Saheb’s life, the Prime Minister said that Baba Saheb Purandare’s life exemplifies the exalted notion of active and mentally alert centenary life as expounded by our sages. He also noted the happy coincidence of his century falling in the 75th year of India’s independence. The Prime Minister highlighted Baba Saheb Purandre’s contribution in writing history of the immortal souls of our History. “All of us will always be indebted to him for his sterling contribution of taking the life and history of Shivaji Maharaj to people” said the Prime Minister. Shri Purandare has been honored with Padma Vibhushan in 2019, the then Maharashtra Government decorated him with Maharashtra Bhushan Award in 2015. Madhya Pradesh Government also saluted him by awarding him Kalidas award.

Prime Minister dwelled at length on the glorious personality of Shivaji Maharaj. He said that Shiva ji Maharaj is not only a colossus of Indian history, he also impacted the present Indian geography. A massive question of our past, present and future is if Shivaji Maharaj was not there, what would have been our situation. It is impossible to imagine India’s form, its glory without Chattrapti Shivaji Maharaj. What he did in his time, the same role was played by his legend, inspirations and stories after him. His ‘Hindavi Swaraj’ is an unparalleled example of justice for the backward and the deprived and a war cry against tyranny.  Vir Shivaji’s management, his use of naval power, his water management are still worth emulating, Shri Modi said.

Baba Saheb Purandare’s work reflect his unwavering devotion to Shivaji Maharaj, in his works Shivaji Maharaj comes alive in our hearts said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also remembered his personal attendance in the programs of Baba Saheb and praised his zeal for taking history to the youth in its full glory and inspiration. He is always mindful that history is communicated in its true form. “This balance is needed for country’s history, he never let his devotion and litterateur in him to affect his sense of history.  I will appeal to the young historian to maintain the same standards when they write the History of India’s freedom Struggle on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also recalled Baba Saheb Purandare’s contributions from the Goa Mukti Sangram to the Dadar Nagar Haveli freedom struggle.

 

 

Click here to read PM's speech

Explore More
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਜਨਮ-ਭੂਮੀ ਮੰਦਿਰ ਧਵਜਾਰੋਹਣ ਉਤਸਵ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਦੇ ਭਾਸ਼ਣ ਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ

Popular Speeches

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਜਨਮ-ਭੂਮੀ ਮੰਦਿਰ ਧਵਜਾਰੋਹਣ ਉਤਸਵ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਦੇ ਭਾਸ਼ਣ ਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ
How NPS transformed in 2025: 80% withdrawals, 100% equity, and everything else that made it a future ready retirement planning tool

Media Coverage

How NPS transformed in 2025: 80% withdrawals, 100% equity, and everything else that made it a future ready retirement planning tool
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
PM Modi addresses a public rally virtually in Nadia, West Bengal
December 20, 2025
Bengal and the Bengali language have made invaluable contributions to India’s history and culture, with Vande Mataram being one of the nation’s most powerful gifts: PM Modi
West Bengal needs a BJP government that works at double speed to restore the state’s pride: PM in Nadia
Whenever BJP raises concerns over infiltration, TMC leaders respond with abuse, which also explains their opposition to SIR in West Bengal: PM Modi
West Bengal must now free itself from what he described as Maha Jungle Raj: PM Modi’s call for “Bachte Chai, BJP Tai”

PM Modi addressed a public rally in Nadia, West Bengal through video conferencing after being unable to attend the programme physically due to adverse weather conditions. He sought forgiveness from the people, stating that dense fog made it impossible for the helicopter to land safely. Earlier today, the PM also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works in Ranaghat, a major way forward towards West Bengal’s growth story.

The PM expressed deep grief over a mishap involving BJP karyakartas travelling to attend the rally. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

PM Modi said that Nadia is the sacred land where Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the embodiment of love, compassion and devotion, manifested himself. He noted that the chants of Harinaam Sankirtan that once echoed across villages and along the banks of the Ganga were not merely expressions of devotion, but a powerful call for social unity.

He highlighted the immense contribution of the Matua community in strengthening social harmony, recalling the teachings of Shri Harichand Thakur, the social reform efforts of Shri Guruchand Thakur, and the motherly compassion of Boro Maa. He bowed to all these revered figures for their lasting impact on society.

The PM said that Bengal and the Bengali language have made invaluable contributions to India’s history and culture, with Vande Mataram being one of the nation’s most powerful gifts. He noted that the country is marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and that Parliament has recently paid tribute to this iconic song. He said West Bengal is the land of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, whose creation of Vande Mataram awakened national consciousness during the freedom struggle.

He stressed that Vande Mataram should inspire a Viksit Bharat and awaken the spirit of a Viksit West Bengal, adding that this sacred idea forms the BJP’s roadmap for the state.

PM Modi said BJP-led governments are focused on policies that enhance the strength and capabilities of every citizen. He cited the GST Savings Festival as an example, noting that essential goods were made affordable, enabling families in West Bengal to celebrate Durga Puja and other festivals with joy.

He also highlighted major investments in infrastructure, mentioning the approval of two important highway projects that will improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri and strengthen regional development.

The PM said the nation wants fast-paced development and referred to Bihar’s recent strong mandate in favour of the BJP-NDA. He recalled stating that the Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal and that Bihar has shown the path for BJP’s victory in West Bengal as well.

He said that while Bihar has decisively rejected jungle raj, West Bengal must now free itself from what he described as Maha Jungle Raj. Referring to the popular slogan, he said the state is calling out, “Bachte Chai, BJP Tai.”

The PM emphasised that there is no shortage of funds, intent or schemes for West Bengal’s development, but alleged that projects worth thousands of crores are stalled due to corruption and commissions. He appealed to the people to give BJP a chance and form a double-engine government to witness rapid development.

He cautioned people to remain alert against what he described as TMC’s conspiracies, alleging that the party is focused on protecting infiltrators. He said that whenever BJP raises concerns over infiltration, TMC leaders respond with abuse, which also explains their opposition to SIR in West Bengal.

Concluding his address, PM Modi said West Bengal needs a BJP government that works at double speed to restore the state’s pride. He assured that he would speak in greater detail about BJP’s vision when he visits the state in person.