Satara, Maharashtra: Over 12,000 youth and citizens participated enthusiastically in the ‘Jai Shivaji, Jai Bharat’ Padyatra organized by Mera Yuva Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. The event, held in Satara, celebrated the legacy, valor, and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through cultural performances and patriotic engagement.
Union and State Leaders Grace the Event
The Padyatra was graced by Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports; Shri Shambhuraj Desai, Minister for Tourism and Guardian Minister, Satara; Shri Shivendrasinh Bhosale, Minister of Public Works Department; and Shri Jaykumar Gore, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of Maharashtra. Their presence highlighted the importance of youth mobilisation in nation-building and cultural preservation.
Youth Participation and Cultural Celebrations
Youth from across Satara district joined the march with vibrant energy, demonstrating pride in the life and contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The programme featured traditional martial and cultural displays including talwar and lathi demonstrations, mallakhamb, and other indigenous art forms that showcased Maharashtra’s rich heritage.
Inspiring Youth for Nation-Building
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Raksha Khadse urged young citizens to draw inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership, courage, and visionary statecraft. She emphasised that disciplined, value-based, and service-oriented participation is key to realising Viksit Bharat and strengthening Rashtriya Chetna among the youth.
She also highlighted the role of youth in shaping India’s future, stating that the Padyatra provides an opportunity for young citizens to engage with history and imbibe values of patriotism, service, and cultural pride.
Mera Yuva Bharat’s Nationwide Engagement
The Padyatra in Satara is part of a larger initiative, with Mera Yuva Bharat mobilising youth across all 36 districts of Maharashtra under the Amrit Peedhi programme. The events collectively paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, strengthening community participation through cultural, educational, and patriotic activities.
These initiatives reflect MY Bharat’s sustained efforts to channel the energy of young citizens toward constructive nation-building, cultural pride, and deeper engagement with India’s civilisational heritage through participatory Jan Bhagidari.
Celebrating Legacy and Unity
The ‘Jai Shivaji, Jai Bharat’ Padyatra not only honoured the memory of a legendary warrior-king but also encouraged the youth to internalise his principles of courage, leadership, and social responsibility. By combining traditional cultural expressions with active civic participation, the event reinforced national pride and collective consciousness among participants.
