Pimpri- Chinchwad should be renamed as Jijau Nagar: Barne
By: Pune Pulse
June 6, 2023
Pimpri: In an effort to pay homage to the revered figure of Masaheb Jijau, Mahesh Hiraman Barne, President, Bhakti Shakti Pratishthan, has announced a mass movement across Maharashtra to rename the city of Pimpri Chinchwad as ‘Jijau Nagar’.
Barne made this demand during the occasion of the 350th coronation day of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The move has sparked a political debate in the state over renaming the cities.
According to a press release from Bhakti Shakti Pratishthan, Maharashtra is widely recognized for the greatness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while the contribution of Maasaheb Jijau goes unnoticed. Jijau played a pivotal role in nurturing the ideals of Swarajya and serving as an inspiration behind the vision. The Maval-Mulshi region holds historical significance in the narratives of Swarajya, where the seeds of this ideology were sown by Jijau. The area has witnessed many remarkable chapters of this struggle, with Shivaba carrying forward the vision under Jijau’s guidance, while the Mavlas valiantly defended it. As a result, Pimpri Chinchwad remained protected from the clutches of aggressors. Jijau’s influence remains instrumental in maintaining the region’s identity with dignity for over three centuries.
Barne raises an important question regarding the recognition given to Masaheb Jijau. While Maharashtra celebrates the greatness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, there is no city named after Jijau, who played an integral role in shaping Shivaji’s legacy. Barne aims to initiate this public movement and has plans to introduce a helpline number to encourage widespread citizen participation.
Considering themselves as Jijau’s children, the residents of Pimpri Chinchwad, have achieved remarkable industrial progress over the past few decades. While the debt to Maasaheb Jijau can never be fully repaid, Barne emphasizes the need to honour her by renaming a city like Pimpri Chinchwad, a leading industrial hub in India, after her.
“The time has come to raise our voices for Jijau and Shivba’s mavale,” said Barne.
Barne calls upon everyone to join this civil and peaceful struggle. The appeal is made on behalf of Bhakti-Shakti Pratishthan to participate actively in this public movement.
