Shivaji Maharaj America Parivaar (SMAP) Globally Celebrate The 346th Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Coronation Anniversary

Los Angeles, California. Shivaji Maharaj America Parivaar (SMAP) celebrated the anniversary of

Rajyabhishek (coronation) ceremony of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on June 20th, 2020. The

online event was attended by nearly 500 people from over 20 countries on a video conference and

on Facebook Live forum.

<div>The event started with traditional Abhishek of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue performed by

“We are still inspired by the three words, ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!’ ..and they create energy in

us when we say them loud and proud”, said Mr. Patil. He described the significance of the

coronation ceremony as Victory of People’s kingdom, success of a merit-based society where there

was liberty, equality and justice for all. The mission of the organization is to spread ‘Unity and

Leadership’ lessons learned from the Legendary Life of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that can be

applied in today’s world. He described four key objectives of the organization – (1) building a global

network of leaders (2) promoting initiatives that unite people (3) helping others who are less

fortunate to bring equality and (4) establishing a Leadership Center across the world. He then

introduced the team of SMAP leaders from various parts of the world, USA, France, Canada, UK,

Kenya, Malaysia, China and a dozen other countries.

Bharat Saoji then highlighted the endorsements that SMAP has received from The Governor of the

State of Georgia, USA, Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Bollywood artists like Mahima

Choudhary, Tennis Champions Anika Raina, Shri Babasaheb Purandare and others. He also thanked

supporting organizations like Vivekanand Seva Mandal, Vishwa Marathi Parishad, EachOne

TeachOne, HOPE B~Lit, VHPA, NFIA,Maharashtra Mandal France and others.

Nitesh Patel, Mayor Pro Tem from City of La Palma, California introduced the keynote speaker of the

evening, Mr. Francois Gautier, a world-famous author, journalist, speaker and a Community Activist.

Mr. Gaurier was born and raised in Paris, France. He grew up studying the history of world-famous

leader Napoleon Bonaparte but later when he visited India he studied the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji

Maharaj and became his ardent fan. He then decided to dedicate his life to building Chhatrapati

Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Pune.

In his speech, Mr Gautier highlighted leadership styles of Napoleon Bonaparte and Chhatrapati

Shivaji Maharaj. He described his visit to Pune to learn more about the great Chhatrapati Shivaji

Maharaj but was disappointed to see no museum dedicated to him. So, he decided to make his life

mission to establish Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian history.

Mr. Gautier puzzled why Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not that well-known internationally

compared to other European leaders. He mentioned that it’s time for Indians to elevate his stature

to the international stage. He recalled from his childhood that Napoleons history was included in all

the textbooks that he grew up with. There were dozens of new books, movies, stories that get

created each year in France and other western countries. Napoleon had tried to unite the entire

Europe, but his vision seems to be realizing only after a couple centuries. Today, we see that the

entire Europe is trying to unite through Euro-Zone, One Currency and other initiatives.

Mr. Gautier described Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a Yogi Warrior with a tremendous sense of

intuition who could foresee the future. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also united the local people to

preserve the culture and stop atrocities caused by the invaders. He also shared his observation that

there are plenty of statues in India, but people need to understand and spread the true values that

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other leaders represented in the society.

Mr. Vijay Patil then re-emphasized the need of spreading Indian heritage internationally and

reiterated SMAP goal of making Indian National Heroes well-known global icons. He concluded the

event by thanking the audience and the rest of the event organizers.

In this age of fast paced technical advancements it is essential for these deep cultural aspects to be

embedded in society and recognized globally for enriching our lives.