Book Launch of Shivaji Maharaj and His Enduring Legacy in South India

Date: 30th August 2025
Venue: The Sanskrit college, Mylapore

The launch of the much-anticipated book Shivaji Maharaj and His Enduring Legacy in South India was held on 30th August 2025 in a grand and memorable manner. The event celebrated the profound historical impact of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, particularly his influence in the southern regions of India.

The evening commenced with a soulful musical performance by students from Sri Sayee Vivekananda Vidyalaya School and Raaga Swaram Music School, setting a devotional and reverent tone for the programme. This was followed by a melodious rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu by Smt. Durga Devi, marking the formal beginning of the event.

A ceremonial lamp-lighting was then conducted by the Chief Guest, Shri Shivaji Rajah T. Bhosale, the direct descendant of the Maratha legacy, along with other esteemed dignitaries.

The welcome address was delivered by Shri N.C. Bipindra, Managing Trustee of the Centre for South Indian Studies (CSIS). He extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to all dignitaries and attendees, acknowledging the presence of the Chief Guest and other special invitees.

Distinguished guests included:

• Shri K.P.S. Chinnaiya Sivakumar, eighth-generation representative of the Thanjai Nalvar musical lineage
• Dr. S. Devaji Rao, MBBS, MS – noted surgeon, prolific medical author, and writer of the book’s foreword
• Shri Nandakumar, IRS, Commissioner, Income Tax Department
• Shri Ramkumar Ganesan, renowned film producer, actor, and son of the legendary Sivaji Ganesan
• Shri Sudhakar Narayanan, author of the book
• Shri K. Murugan, translator of the book into Tamil

A special felicitation ceremony was organized to honour the Chief Guest and the dignitaries. Shri K.P.S. Chinnaiya Sivakumar was conferred with the prestigious Raaga Deepam Lifetime Achievement Award by the Thanjavur Prince Shivaji Rajah T. Bhosale in recognition of his contributions to South Indian classical music. Contributors and organizers of the book and event were also acknowledged for their tireless efforts.

Shri M. Kumaresan, Convenor, CSIS, spoke about the historical and cultural relevance of documenting Shivaji Maharaj’s impact in the South. The official book launch was carried out by the Chief Guest, the authors, and other dignitaries amidst enthusiastic applause. The book was released in both Tamil and English, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Dr. S. Devaji Rao, MBBS, MS, a noted surgeon and prolific medical author, shared his experience of writing the foreword for the book.

Greeting Messages by Dignitaries:

Shri Nandakumar, IRS, Commissioner, Income Tax Department graced the occasion and spoke about the chapter Jaya Jaya Bhavani Vande Mathram in the book about Subramanya Bharathiyar’s writing about Shivaji.

Shri Ramkumar Ganesan, acclaimed actor, producer, and son of the legendary Sivaji Ganesan. He spoke about how his father got the name Sivaji and his experience during school days being in the sets of iconic Karnan movie admiring the acting skills of his father. 

Each dignitary shared their heartfelt messages, offering their reflections on the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj and the significance of the book in promoting a more nuanced understanding of Indian history.

This was followed by the presidential address delivered by Shri Shivaji Rajah T. Bhosale, who shared nostalgic childhood memories and spoke passionately about the vision, courage, and enduring legacy of Shivaji Maharaj.

The authors of the book, Shri Sudhakar Narayanan and Shri K. Murugan, recounted their personal journeys in researching and writing the book. They highlighted their motivation to present Shivaji Maharaj’s lesser-known contributions in South India and expressed sincere gratitude to all who supported the project.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Abishek N.K. from CSIS, who appreciated the contributions of all dignitaries, organizers, artists, and attendees who made the event a resounding success. The programme ended with the National Anthem, bringing the evening to a respectful close.