Maharashtra Day 2023: Celebrating 63 Years of Statehood

Under Governor Ramesh Bais's leadership, the state government has emphasised the importance of inclusive development for all members of society in Maharashtra. During the main government function on the 63rd anniversary of the formation of the state, the National Flag was ceremoniously unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a road march.

 

In his address, Governor Bais paid tribute to the Marathi people worldwide by noting, "Besides being Maharashtra Day, today is International Labour Day as well, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tributes and acknowledge the martyrs that played a major role in the formation of this great state along with the working class that made Maharashtra an economic powerhouse.”

 

Pic: PIB Mumbai

 

The Governor highlighted the achievements of historical figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jotirao Phule, Kranti Jyoti Savitribai Phule, Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Lokmanya Tilak, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, and freedom hero Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, which have enriched Maharashtra's society.

 

The Governor announced the upcoming Shivarajyabhishek Mahotsav from June 2nd to June 9th, 2023, commemorating the 350th year of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also revealed plans to establish a museum based on Shivaji Maharaj's biography at Shivneri Fort and a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Concept Park in Ambegaon, Pune. The government will also celebrate freedom fighter Savarkar's birth anniversary on May 28 as 'Swatantryaveer Gaurav Din'.

 

Pic: PIB Mumbai

 

Governor Bais applauded the state government's efforts in job creation and reviving the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. He also commended Maharashtra's successful handling of the three waves of COVID-19 and urged people to prioritize their health. The Governor announced ongoing recruitment drives for 75,000 government employees and 18,331 constables to strengthen the police system.

 

The main official function at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan in Dadar, Mumbai, was attended by various high-ranking officials, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Mumbai Suburban District Guardian Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha, State Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, and several other government and police officers.

 

On the eve of the celebration, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the Hutatma Chowk in Fort and paid tribute to the 108 people who died while protesting for a Marathi-speaking state.

 

Pic: Free Press Journal

While the people of the state enjoy the day off from work, essential services run tirelessly to keep the spirit of Maharashtra high.

 

Significance of Maharashtra Day

 

Before the formation of the modern-day state, Maharashtra was known as the Bombay Presidency which included areas of the western coast of India that were directly under British rule under the British Raj. The Bombay Presidency joined British India as a province in 1937. Bombay's Presidency joined India after it gained independence in 1947, while Sind Province joined Pakistan when India was divided. India's retained territory was transformed into Bombay State. It included princely states that had been influenced politically by the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, such as Kolhapur in the Deccan and Baroda and the Dangs in Gujarat.

 

With the adoption of the States Reorganisation Act, of 1956, which covered the Marathi-speaking territories, a brand-new state, Bombay, was created on November 1, 1956.

The Bombay Reorganisation Act of 1960 divided the bilingual state of Bombay into two autonomous states, Gujarat for speakers of Gujarati and Maharashtra for Marathi, with Gujarat becoming the fifteenth state of the Indian Union.

 

Maharashtra Day honours both the struggle for a separate state and the foundation of the state of Maharashtra. The day is observed as a public holiday throughout the state, and there is a huge celebration that includes parades, cultural events, and flag-hoisting customs.

 

Additionally, it enables people to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra and show off their pride in being Maharashtrian.

Cover Image: Pic: PIB Mumbai