Prime Minister Modi Apologizes for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: A Reflection on Responsibility and Reverence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologised to the country on Friday for the collapse of the 35-foot memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg, a historic event that sent waves of shock throughout Maharashtra. The statue was meant to pay homage to the Maratha king’s legacy, particularly his services to maritime safety and defence. It was unveiled in December 2023. However, on August 26, 2024, it abruptly sank, generating criticism and controversy and an intense reaction from the general population and political elite

A Humble Apology from the Prime Minister

In an explicit allusion to the issue, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his deep remorse for what happened while visiting Palghar. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name for us… today I bow my head and apologise to my god, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Modi said. His comments showed his deep admiration for the Maratha monarch, whom he has repeatedly acknowledged as providing an inspiration for his political life. In addition to replying to the tragedy, Modi‘s apology also served as a reminder of the fundamental values that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands for.

The prime minister recalled his 2013 visit to Raigad, where he started his journey as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) prime ministerial candidate by offering homage at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi. He emphasised that the demise of the statue was not only an economic loss but also an emotional one for him since Shivaji Maharaj is the divine and a guiding force in his life.

The political opposition was informed of the happening. The Congress party quickly took advantage of the circumstances and requested that the prime minister make an apology. Varsha Gaikwad, the leader of the Mumbai Congress, criticised Modi, bringing out the circumstances and timing of his downfall. Eight months after its dedication, a statue of Maharashtra Pati Shivaji Maharaj, who is revered across Maharashtra and India, collapsed. She stated, referring to what she saw as negligence and corruption in the statue’s development, “It appears that corruption is involved in this.”

The Controversy and Political Backlash

Source : Hindustan Times

In his comments, Gaikwad lashed target at the BJP explicitly and claimed with ensuring that the chairman of the party and the prime minister were in violation of their pledges. She additionally expressed worries regarding the project’s integrity in light of the recent collapse. The plan is to build an enormous statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea.

The Legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

More than simply a monument to memory, the statue in Sindhudurg was a tribute to a historical figure whose impact still inspires millions of individuals nowadays. In addition to in Maharashtra but throughout India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is regarded in reverence for his military prowess, ability to lead, and dedication to the well-being of his people. The statue was created to memorialise this part of his past at the Navy Day celebrations. He is recognised for establishing the Maratha Navy.

This renders the demise of such an important symbol highly troubling, both for its immediate implications and for what it represents. The celebration puts into question the quality of the labour used in the statue’s development in addition to the care employed to maintain it in excellent shape. It also acts as a reminder of the responsibilities connected to honouring historical individuals with monuments in open areas.

Moving Forward: Accountability and Restoration

Throughout his speech, Modi, the prime minister, promised to uphold the principles that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stood for while additionally subtly recognising the need for accountability. It’s tempting to decipher his apology as an attempt to acknowledge responsibility for the event, yet it’s unknown what steps will be undertaken to address the underlying issues that triggered the collapse. A more thorough examination of the purpose of public monuments to preserve history and culture was sparked by the statue’s collapse. 

Source: YouTube 

It’s a reminder that even though these representations are powerful, they still need to be handled with care and respect. It is essential that the ideals of respect, integrity, and responsibility—values that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself embodied—be preserved in word and practice as the nation examines this incident.

Lastly, it ought to be acknowledged that PM Modi’s apology is a remarkable act that demonstrates both political responsibility and personal dedication. It serves as an indication of the importance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy in contemporary India and a call for intervention to make sure that it remains preserved with the respect and care it merits. The tragic event acts as a reminder that, while artwork and monuments hold importance, the principles and principles that they represent have far more significant significance.