2. Chatrpati Shivaji Maharaj ...

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is one of the great national figures of India. A man of faith as well as action, this extraordinary statesman and general, created a nation, gave its people a cause to fight and to die for and established a state permeated with a spirit of tolerance and justice; a truly secular and welfare state.

And yet, who could have believed that this son of a feudal lord of Bijapur- a feudatory kingdom of the Mughal empire- would in the course of his brief life span of 50 years, defy the Mughal and carve out an extensive state, the 'HINDAVI SWARAJYA' - a state of the sons of the soil.

As a soldier, warrior and general, Shivaji fashioned the army into a truly national one. Perfect discipline, rapid movements, excellent intelligence service, and continuous attention to defense marked his military organization, and this enable him to defeat adversaries time and again. Nor did he neglect the defense of the sea coast. he is rightly called the Father of Indian Navy.

He fought for the defense of his homeland. He fought against intolerance, injustice and racial arrogance. His example inspired the Rajputs, the Bundelas Chatrasal and others to follow him. In course of time, his movements assumed the form of an all India struggle: a struggle which was to change the political map of India. Dauntless in face of defeat, and generous in victory, this man of deep religious convictions cherished the honor of women and championed and practiced tolerance to all faiths.

Shivaji's personality and message are as relevant today as they were in the past ...