Tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj through Blood Donation

Shivjayanti Mahotsav Samiti, Pune Organizes Grand Blood Donation Tribute

Pune: The Shivjayanti Mahotsav Samiti, Pune, paid tribute to Swarajyarakshak Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on his 336th Balidan Din (martyrdom day) through a blood donation drive. This marks the 12th consecutive year of this tribute. The event saw participation from 100 royal families’ descendants, Dhol-Tasha troupes, sports organizations, and Ganesh festival committees, all joining the Shivjanmotsav Swarajya Rath procession under the leadership of Jijau Maa Saheb Shahaji Maharaj Shivjyot Rath.

The tribute began at Lance Lawn, Mhatre Bridge, DP Road, where a garland was offered to the statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The event was led by committee founder-president Amit Gaikwad, along with Sachin Paigude, Ravindra Kank, Shankar Kadu, Mangesh Shilimkar, Pravinbhaiya Gaikwad, and Rinkle Amit Gaikwad, in the presence of representatives from the royal families.

The blood donation drive was initiated by Ishan Amit Gaikwad, Sachin Paigude, Mahendra Bhoite, Avinash Kadu, Rajesh Jogdand, Sunil Jogdand, Dada Bhosale, Mandar Mate, Bajirao Nigde, and Rishikesh Pasalkar, who were the first donors. The Hinjewadi Blood Bank facilitated the blood collection process.

Speaking at the event, Amit Gaikwad emphasized that March 11, the Balidan Din of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, should be declared as “Mahamrityunjay Blood Donation Day” by the Maharashtra government. He urged that the entire state should pay tribute to Sambhaji Maharaj through blood donation drives on this day.

“Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj sacrificed every drop of his blood to protect Swarajya, safeguard Bharat Bhumi, and preserve the glorious culture of India. Let us pay tribute to him through blood donation, repaying his sacrifice with our own blood, and strengthening the bond of brotherhood. For the past 12 years, we have been organizing this blood donation tribute, and in the future, we plan to extend it across the entire state,” he said.