Our Bureau
Mumbai
In a significant cultural and diplomatic gesture, Israel has announced plans to install a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, in the country as a symbol of the deepening friendship between India and Israel. The proposal has received full support from the Maharashtra government, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assuring cooperation for the project.
The announcement was made by Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai, Yaniv Revach, during celebrations marking Shiv Rajyabhishek Din. Revach described the proposed memorial as a long-term initiative aimed at honouring Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations. He said the statue would serve as a gesture of goodwill towards the Indian people and a tribute to one of India’s most revered historical figures.
Fadnavis welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Israeli government. He assured assistance in providing historical references, artistic inputs and guidance to ensure that the monument accurately reflects the life and achievements of Shivaji Maharaj.
Israeli officials noted that the project goes beyond commemorating a historical leader. It is also intended to highlight the centuries-old relationship between Jewish communities and India, particularly Maharashtra, where the Bene Israel Jewish community has lived for generations. The shared history and mutual respect between the two societies are expected to form a key theme of the memorial.
The proposed statue is expected to become a prominent cultural landmark in Israel, reflecting the growing strategic and cultural partnership between the two countries. Observers view the initiative as another milestone in the expanding India-Israel relationship, built on shared democratic values, historical connections and increasing cooperation across sectors.
