Saving Shrimant Bajirao Peshwe Samadhi

Shrimant BAJIRAO Peshwe Samadhi UNDER THREAT - डूबने नहीं देंगे

During our Shrimant Bajirao Peshwe Jayanti program on 18th August 2010 we had decided to ensure and work towards saving the Samadhi as it is within the submersible area of the proposed Maheshwar irrigation scheme on Narmada River.

As a follow up last Friday (22 May 2011) to Sunday we (myself, Vrushali Soman, Shashikant Lele, Ram Bhide, Yogesh Abhyankar and Radhika Sathe) went to Raverkhedi near Indore visited the Samadhi, followed by meeting the officials of Bajirao Samadhi Pratisthan in Indore. The next day we went to Bhopal and meet the cultural minister of MP Shri. Laxmikant Sharma followed by meeting the CM of MP Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Here is the gist of our discussion and assurances provided:

1. CM assured डूबने नहीं देंगे this is a very important subject and we will personally look in to the current situation and ensure that the Samadhi does not go under water.

2. In the event that it cannot be saved at current location we will respectfully move it to a new location with the help of ASI (Archeological Survey Of India) and it can be proposed to have a Sainik Shikshan School that will develop soldiers for our Nation (Something similar to NDA here in Pune). Develop this area in say a 50 acre campus that will have a monument and a place that will attract tourists giving Pride to MP and doing justice to this GREAT WARRIOR and Prime Minister of Hindustan blessed by legacy of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The name of this school can be Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa Sainik PraShikshan Prashala.

3. As a immediate measure they will undertake construction of road in the last 10 KM which needs to be done along with name plates showing direction.

4. A joint meeting of representatives from Chitpavans from Maharashtra which will include Dr. Udaysingh Peshwe, Shri. Ninad Bedekar, Chitpavan ASTIVA, Chitpavan Foundation, Chitpavan Sangh, Bajirao Samadhi Pratisthan Indore, Shri. Shrikant Ghanekar Chitpavan Mandal Bhopal will be held shortly with the CM to take this is ahead.

Photo Link : https://picasaweb.google.com/bapatdeva/Baji_Samadhi
Video Link : www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQHpwNlqb1Y
Refer : http://www.dailypioneer.com/291135/Bajiraos-memorial-to-be-shifted-for-hydel-project.html

The intention of this petition is to create awareness amongst community members all over the world and seek their support in preserving and maintaining the sanctity of our sacred Shrimant BAJIRAO Peshwe Samadhi. We invite individuals and institutions to address appropriate letters jointly to The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and forward them to us for onward transmission to the authorities.

It is hoped that members of the community, irrespective of their ideologies will unite for the common cause of protecting the Samadhi.

For & on behalf of all CHITPAVANS,
Devavrat Bapat