PUNE: NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar said that Pune has an important place in India. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in Pune district and he spent his childhood in Lal Mahal. He sowed the seeds of Swarajya in Pune district. When many kingdoms were known by the names of their kings, Shivaji Maharaj had his own style of working. The kingdom of Shivaji Maharaj was not of the Bhosales but was of farmers,” Pawar said.
On August 1, PM Narendra Modi was honoured with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award. Sharad Pawar, who was the chief guest, made a speech. Sharad Pawar and Modi came together on a dais for the first time after the split in the NCP. Sharad Pawar attended the programme despite opposition from his alliance partners.
“Indian jawans carried out the surgical strike for the country and it is being discussed. However, we cannot forget that Shivaji Maharaj carried out the first surgical strike. Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of Hindvi Swaraj and established a kingdom of farmers.
Lokmanya Tilak led an agitation for establishment of Swaraj. By launching two newspapers Kesari and Maratha, he made life difficult for the British. We cannot forget the contribution made by Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi,” Pawar said.
“There should not be any pressure on journalists and Tilak also espoused the same. The Congress was born in 1885. At that time, due to the plague epidemic, the convention of Congress was held in Mumbai. Lokmanya Tilak was leading the group having extreme views and he reiterated that Swaraj was his birthright,” Pawar said.
“Lokmanya Tilak Award has its own significance. The award which was given to PM Modi has been given to many eminent people. We are all happy that Modi has joined the league of these personalities,” Pawar added.
