Hindu Voice UK, August 2008

The Government of the Indian state of Maharashtra has announced plans for a giant coastal statue which is to rival New York’s Statue of Liberty. It is to be constructed off the Mumbai coast, and is of none other than the great Hindu king, Shivaji (1627-1680). The statue is planned to be of about the same height as the Statue of Liberty (350 feet) and will be promoted as an important landmark and tourist location.

The monument will reinforce Shivaji’s position in the consciousness of India and will also spread his fame into distant lands as millions of curious tourists visit it and naturally come to learn parts of Shivaji’s life story.

The persona of Shivaji is very relevant in the modern world. He waged a heroic struggle against an all pervasive injustice and tyranny of the Islamic rulers of the time, who persecuted innocent Hindus and ravaged India’s cultural and material wealth. Yet while fighting his battles he always treated with respect all civilians no matter which religion they professed, therefore not stooping to the level of those he was fighting against.

All are not happy with the project, as in India there are always criticisms when any large project of any kind is announced. Some have denounced the planned statue as a vote garnering strategy ahead of next year’s state elections, while others have said that the money would be better spent on welfare of the poor.

Hindu Voice comment:

No matter what the reasons behind the construction of this great monument, anything which introduces the world to a character as inspiring and worthy of fame as Shivaji can only be a good thing.