Echoes of Greatness: CM Fadnavis’ ‘Maharashtra Dharma’ Podcast Puts State’s Icons in the Spotlight

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke on the launch of his maiden podcast series, 'Maharashtra Dharma', on the sacred day of Ashadhi Ekadashi, calling for people to hold on to and spread the state's rich intellectual and cultural heritage. The inaugural episode, with scholar Dr. Sadanand More, marked the beginning of a series of lectures on the spiritual, historical, and ethical underpinnings of Maharashtra.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Legacy Protection: Fadnavis asked citizens to safeguard and nurture the values and wisdom offered by the saints and icons of Maharashtra and made it a people's responsibility.

 

Not Just Warriors: He emphasized that Maharashtra's heritage is not just composed of legendary warriors but also dharma guardians, visionaries, and builders of new India, citing Dnyaneshwar, Shivaji Maharaj, Savitribai Phule, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as intellectual pillars.

 

Moral Compass: The CM had described 'Maharashtra Dharma' as something more than nostalgia—a "living code of ethics" that makes citizens think smart, act with the spirit of service, and be courageous.

 

Cultural Discovery: The podcast will trace the development of Maharashtra using epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Gautam Buddha's principles, and the unique 'wari' pilgrimage culture to Pandharpur symbolizing social equality.

 

Homage to Icons: Fadnavis paid respect to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, observing his wars were waged on principles, and not on victory, and his rule for its honesty, religious tolerance, and respect for women. He paid respect to other icons such as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Ahilyabai Holkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Lokmanya Tilak, Dr. Ambedkar, Sant Gadge Baba, and Tukdoji Maharaj.

 

Ongoing Series: The show will keep exploring Maharashtra's rich heritage, culture, and literature, attempting to unravel "why Maharashtra is the way it is" and inviting listeners to carry on the state's ancient tradition.

 

Source: Times of India, NDTV, Devdiscourse