3 min readPuneJul 4, 2025 10:01 PM IST
First published on: Jul 4, 2025 at 03:07 PM IST
UNION HOME Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, is the finest example of a fight put up by Armed forces and leadership of India to defend ‘Swaraj’— the concept of self-rule that was envisioned by Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Shah was addressing a gathering at the National Defence Academy (NDA) where he unveiled the equestrian statue of Bajirao I, the seventh Peshwa of the Maratha empire. The bronze statue is located next to the Cadet’s mess at the NDA.
In his speech, Shah said, “Whenever I sense a feeling of despair, I always think of young Chhatrapati Shivaji and Bajirao Peshwa. The feeling of despair goes far away. If they could fight for ‘Swaraj’ in such adverse conditions, it is our duty to do it when the situation is conducive.”
“The responsibility of creating an India envisioned by Chhatrapati Shivaji lies with 140 crore Indians. When it was time to fight to establish Swaraj (self-rule), we fought. When a fight is required to defend the Swaraj, our forces and leadership will definitely do it. And Operation Sindoor is the finest example of it,” said the Union Home Minister.
Shah said while many statues of Peshwa Bajirao have been installed across the country, the most fitting place for a memorial for him is the NDA. “The future leaders of India’s three armed forces are trained in the academy. If our future soldiers draw inspiration from Bajirao Peshwa and learn from his life, no one would dare to challenge India’s borders for ages to come,” he said.
“Some of the principles of the art of warfare are timeless and eternal. Strategy, pace, dedication, patriotism, and the spirit of sacrifice are what lead armies to victory. Bajirao Peshwa fought 41 battles in a span of 20 years and emerged victorious in all of them. With his skills, strategy, and the help of brave companions, Bajirao Peshwa turned many lost battles into victories,” said Shah.
“Bajirao Peshwa destroyed the symbols of slavery…and lit the lamp of freedom in their place. Throughout his 20-year tenure, no one ever saw Bajirao Peshwa dismount from his horse,” he said adding that Bajirao also undertook the construction of Shaniwarwada, implemented water management systems, and fought against many social evils.
The Home Minister interacted with the cadets and officers of the NDA. A press statement issued by the NDA read, “During the visit to NDA, Union Home Minister engaged in a motivational and insightful interactive session with the cadets of NDA, where he emphasised the significance of national security, nation building and ethical leadership. He urged the future military leaders to remain steadfast in their service to the nation and to embody the timeless values of discipline and strategic foresight.”
The release added, “The visit was a moment of immense pride for the Academy, motivating cadets to strive for excellence and embrace the challenges of service with foresight and clarity of purpose and reinforcing the NDA’s commitment to producing officers of character, competence and courage.”
Amit Shah addresses the crowd during the unveiling of a statue of Bajirao I, the seventh Peshwa of the Maratha empire, at the National Defence Academy, in Pune on Friday. (Express photo by Arul Horizon) 
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