The 369th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Buddha Vihar in Edanwala Chawl, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, under the auspices of the Mumbai Telangana Bahujan Forum.
A large number of local Bahujan leaders, social activists, and youth participated in the event.
Speaking on the occasion, BSP State Secretary Nag Sen Malaji stated that Shivaji Maharaj ensured equal representation for people of all communities in his army. He recalled that during a time when the Chaturvarna system was dominant, Shivaji Maharaj faced humiliation at the time of his coronation—an incident recorded in history. He further mentioned that under the guidance of his mother, a second coronation was conducted following the Shakta (Buddhist) tradition. He described this as a strong stand against the oppressive caste hierarchy.
Journalist Gurram Naresh Maharaj, addressing the gathering, recalled that Jyotirao Phule was the first person in the country to organize and celebrate Shivaji Jayanti. Drawing inspiration from the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj, he urged the Bahujan community to unite and dismantle divisive systems that fragment society, and to walk in the path shown by great leaders.
Prominent members of the Buddha Vihar and community leaders including Mangesh Ahivale, Sachin Bansode, Ravva Srihari Padmashali, Gajula Rajender, Enagandula Gauthami Nai, Yanam Roopa Rajak, N. Gangaram Rajak, Kunarapu Laxman Gangaputra, Sang Srinivas Mera, Chandrakant Bandare, Samala Laxman Yadav, Kondeti Gangadhar, Bheemratna Malaji, Chand Ahmed, and Moolnivasi Malaji were present at the event.
Floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Shivaji Maharaj, and the gathering resolved to work towards social unity and collective progress.
