Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue to be installed in Israel

MUMBAI: The Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai has announced that it will install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel.

The announcement was made on the occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Din which refers to the anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which took place on June 6, 1674.

“To make the memorial worthy of Maharaj's legacy, we sought cooperation from CM Devendra Fadnavis snd he immediately agreed to provide it,” Yaniv Revach, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai said.

“We believe that a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel would serve as a powerful symbol of the close ties between Israel and India. Such a monument would be especially meaningful given the historical links between Maharashtra and the Indian Jewish community, many of whose descendants today contribute significantly to Israeli society,” Revach said in his letter to Fadnavis.

“I respectfully request your support and guidance of the Maharashtra govt for this initiative. We would be grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Maharashtra govt regarding historical references, artistic consultation, design considerations, and any other assistance that may help bring this important project to fruition. I believe that in the later stage we can make it a people's project. I am confident that this initiative will further strengthen the friendship between our peoples and stand as a lasting tribute to the shared values of courage, leadership, and mutual respect that define both Maharashtra and Israel,” Revach said.

“Following the historic visit to Israel by PM Narendra Modi, the govt of Israel decided to make special efforts to bring people from our two countries closer together. After coming to Mumbai, I started reading about the history of the Maratha empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered not only as the founder of the Maratha Empire but also as an extraordinary leader whose vision of good governance, courage, religious tolerance, naval strength, and protection of his people continues to inspire generations. His heroism inspired people from all over India," Revach said.

He added, "Wherever I travel in India, I see a great respect in the eyes of people towards Israel and our national heroes. I believe that we need to make efforts to create greater awareness about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel. In this spirit of friendship, the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai has decided to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel.”