Maharashtra celebrates Foundation Day with vibrant tributes to heritage, progress

Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan during the official State function conducted on the occasion of the 66th Maharashtra Foundation day, at Shivaji Park, Dadar in Mumbai on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Maharashtra observed its 65th Foundation Day on Thursday (May 1, 2025) with grand celebrations across the State, highlighting its cultural, historical, and social legacy. Marked annually on May 1, Maharashtra Day commemorates the creation of the State in 1960, following the bifurcation of the erstwhile Bombay state. The State, known for its economic prowess and rich heritage, celebrated the day with a series of events showcasing its contributions to India’s progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a special message on social media platform X, extended his greetings to the people of Maharashtra and Gujarat, praising the rapid strides made by both States since their formation. He lauded Maharashtra for its vital role in India’s growth and described the State’s history as one of courage and resilience.

“Maharashtra has always been a strong pillar of progress,” PM Modi said, adding that the State’s commitment to development while staying rooted in its cultural heritage had made it a beacon of success.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the occasion, paid tribute to the martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement at Hutatma Chowk in Mumbai. He emphasized Maharashtra’s relentless pursuit of progress, stating, “Our vision is to make Maharashtra a trillion-dollar economy, continuing the path shown by icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar”.

In addition to these tributes, Mr. Fadnavis announced a new 100-day development initiative, details of which are expected to be unveiled soon. The initiative is aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and enhancing the State’s economic position.

On the ceremonial front, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar unfurled the national flag at the City Police Headquarters Parade Ground in Pune, while his counterpart Eknath Shinde hoisted it at Saket Maidan in Thane. In Mumbai, former Governor Ramesh Bais joined Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan in flag-hoisting ceremonies, both paying homage to the State’s history and its legendary figures, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, freedom fighters such as B.G. Tilak and V.D. Savarkar and reformers such as Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Governor Radhakrishnan also expressed his condolences for the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including a Nepalese national. He praised the Maharashtra government for ensuring the safe return of all stranded tourists from the region.

In a significant policy announcement, Mr. Fadnavis revealed that the Maharashtra Cabinet had approved a new policy aimed at developing the State’s shipbuilding, shipbreaking, and ship repair industries. This initiative is expected to boost the State’s economy and generate significant employment opportunities. “This policy will create a new ecosystem in shipbuilding, ship recycling, and ship repair, helping to tap into India’s vast potential in this sector,” the Chief Minister stated.

Additionally, the Cabinet made provisions for the families of those from Maharashtra who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. The State government will provide a compensation of ₹50 lakh to the families of the deceased, along with a government job for an immediate family member where no earning member is left.

Mr. Fadnavis also officially announced that the daughter of Santosh Jagdale, one of the victims of the attack, would be given a government job as part of the State’s support to the grieving families.