MABI’s Green Tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on His Punyatithi at Raigad Fort

On the occasion of the 345th Punyatithi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Movement Against Biological Invasion (MABI) and Biospheres Foundation offered a unique environmental tribute at the historic Raigad Fort. The event, steeped in symbolism, aimed not only to honor Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy but also to raise awareness about the growing threat of invasive alien species in India’s ecosystem.

The program, organized by Shri Shivaji Raigad Smarak Mandal and the Mahad Utsav Committee, witnessed a massive turnout of Shivbhakts and organizations from across Maharashtra. Amid devotional chants and patriotic fervor, MABI stood out by presenting a green homage rooted in environmental consciousness — a fitting tribute inspired by the ideals of the great Maratha warrior.

MABI, a nationwide campaign, works under the guiding principle of Shivniti — policies inspired by the governance and foresight of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Recognizing the urgency of tackling invasive alien species that threaten India’s biodiversity and food security, MABI has positioned itself as a modern-day socio-environmental awakening — a third revolution of sorts in India’s fight for sovereignty, this time against biological invaders.

On Shivaji Maharaj’s Punyatithi, MABI representatives handed over their campaign booklet and memorandum to Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Deputy CM and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who were present at the commemorative events. The document emphasized the growing national security concerns tied to biological invasions and urged government action to implement proactive, community-driven strategies to eliminate these threats.

India is facing a silent environmental emergency. Foreign invasive species — from weeds and insects to fish and microbes — are wreaking havoc across forests, farms, and water bodies. Experts at MABI warn that these alien plants and pests are not just damaging native ecosystems but also affecting agricultural output, spreading plant diseases, and disrupting the delicate food chain.

“Shivaji Maharaj repelled foreign enemies with foresight and valor. Today, we must rise to defend our land against a different kind of enemy — invasive biological threats,” said Dr. Sachin Anil Punekar of the Biospheres Foundation. He was joined by activists Ashok Thorat, Abhijit Bhasale, Yashwant Ramchandra Aukirkar (a descendant of Hirakani), and other MABI green warriors including Yogesh Bhagwat, Sagar Devre-Patil, and Shubham Jogdand.

Adding a deeply spiritual element to the event, a sapling of the sacred Ajan tree (Shambhavi) from Alandi — a symbol of devotion — was ceremonially planted in the Shivsamadhi precincts at Raigad Fort, the seat of Shivaji Maharaj’s Hindavi Swarajya. This rare convergence of ‘Shakti’ (strength) and ‘Bhakti’ (devotion) created a meaningful connection between environmental action and spiritual legacy. “This wasn’t just a plantation drive. It was a symbolic fusion of historical strength and environmental hope,” said a MABI volunteer.

MABI’s long-term mission includes making India free from invasive species. The organization is actively advocating for a national policy on biological terrorism, emphasizing that tackling invasive species should be viewed as a strategic priority for national security, environment, agriculture, and public health. MABI also stressed the need for continuous awareness campaigns across states, villages, forests, urban wards, and protected wildlife zones. Their vision includes integrating public participation, scientific research, and government action to permanently root out invasive flora and fauna.

The environmental campaign led by MABI is not just an NGO initiative — it’s a people’s movement, an emotional and strategic continuation of Shivaji Maharaj’s Swarajya dream. Just as he built a sovereign state by resisting Mughals, Adilshahi, and European colonizers, MABI aims to safeguard India’s natural sovereignty from foreign biological intrusions.

Their message is clear — a weed-free India is a clean India. And in the spirit of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, the movement continues to grow, drawing strength from history and hope from nature.