Press Release: Nitin Gadkari Launches Maratha War of Independence – Highlights Need for Ideation in Nation-Building

Absence of Ideas, Not Differences, Is the Real Problem: Nitin Gadkari at Maratha Book Launch

• Shri Nitin Gadkari Launches ‘Maratha War of Independence’
• Book brings to light the Maratha resistance post-Sambhaji and its national significance

New Delhi, June 24: Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari today launched Maratha War of Independence, a new book authored by researcher and writer Abhas Verma, at a special ceremony held in New Delhi. The book explores a critical yet underrepresented chapter of Indian history—focusing on the Marathas’ resistance against the Mughal Empire following the execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

The book reconstructs this forgotten period through the lens of military resilience, administrative continuity, and cultural assertion—marking it as the first organised war of independence in India.

Speaking at the event, Shri Nitin Gadkari said “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary who laid the foundation of Hindavi Swarajya—a model of governance rooted in justice, equality, and cultural pride. He was secular in the truest sense, treating all religions with respect and never committing injustice against anyone. Unfortunately, British historians, through selective documentation and diary-writing, distorted our history. Today, the real challenge is not a clash of ideas, but the absence of them. It is our responsibility to present the true, fact-based history to the new generation to build a strong and self-aware India.”

The event featured prominent guests including author and historian Shri Uday Mahurkar, Editor of Organiser weekly Shri Prafulla Ketkar, Garuda Prakashan founder Shri Sankrant Sanu, and author Abhas Verma. Renowned scholar Padma Shri Prof. Bharat Gupt also graced the event with his presence.

Shri Uday Mahurkar said: “The reason why this war qualifies to be regarded as Bharat’s first war of independence is the fact that it started the process of the final disintegration of the Mughal empire with Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 & laid the foundation of Maratha empire in which Marathas controlled the Mughal throne in Delhi for almost 50 years. 

The book brings alive two of India’s greatest warriors in 1,000 years - Santaji Ghorpade & Dhanaji Jadhav - who pulverised the Mughals with their skill & valour & terrorised Aurangzeb himself but whose names are not known to today’s India. 

Also,Author Abhas Varma has done an excellent job of presenting before the nation a bright but unknown chapter of Bharat’s history which lay buried in Maharashtra for nearly 3 centuries. “

Sankrant Sanu, Founder of Garuda Prakashan stated “Garuda Prakashan was founded to give a platform to Indic voices to tell our own stories. From veteran authors to new stars Garuda has featured a range of voices and bestsellers like “Urban Naxals” by Vivek Agnihotri and “All Religions Are Not the Same" by Sanjay Dixit.” Abhas Verma’s book brings a fresh retelling of an important chapter of India’s history.”

The book offers a definitive account of the Maratha resistance between 1689 and 1707. It traces Rajaram Bhonsle’s escape to Jinji, the defense of the fort, and the guerrilla campaigns led by Santaji and Dhanaji. It also highlights administrative strategies, civil leadership, and the contributions of local groups such as the Nayaks and Berads. Drawing from historical texts, Mughal court newsletters, and regional records, the book presents key events such as the battles of Dodderi (1696) and Wagingera (1706–07), the internal decline of the Mughal empire, and the cultural revival under Tara Bai’s leadership. It positions the Maratha movement not as a regional pushback, but as the first sustained and strategic Indian resistance against foreign domination—a precursor to later freedom movements. 

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Garur prakashan is a leading publishing house with a focus on indic narratives and indian knowledge systems. 

Celebrate Gin Day at LOYA, Taj Palace New Delhi with Cocktails Rooted in Nature | VRIKSH

 LOYA at Taj Palace, New Delhi, to introduce VRIKSH: a bold new cocktail menu that’s as rooted in tradition as it is high on innovation.

Crafted by award-winning mixologist Hemant Pathak (Junoon, NYC), VRIKSH takes you on a journey through nature’s five elements, root, flower, seed, leaf, and fruit using Indian ingredients in ways you’ve never tasted before.

And just in time for International Gin Day, here are three gin-forward cocktails from the menu that deserve a spot in your glass (and your story):

1. MOGRA

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Price- ₹1150 + taxes

Fragrant and floral- this delicate blend of gin, mogra-infused vodka, vermouth, and edible flower feels like sipping on spring.

1. 2.SAFFRON

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Price-₹1150 + taxes

Rich, spiced, and completely indulgent-this golden-hued drink blends gin with saffron cordial, cardamom tincture, and a mango-saffron leather garnish.

1. 3.STRAWBERRY (Low Proof)

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   Price-₹1150 + taxes

   A light, fizzy spritz with gin, Aperol, orange-strawberry oleo, sparkling wine, and thyme- made for slow afternoons and great conversations.

   VRIKSH is more than a cocktail list, it’s liquid storytelling, rooted in India’s seasonal rhythms and presented with global flair.

Celebrate Father’s Day with a royal thali at Khandani Rajdhani

Celebrate Father’s Day with a royal thali at Khandani Rajdhani

There are some bonds that don’t need words: a hand that taught you how to ride a cycle, the voice that always knew how to fix things, or the silent presence that made you feel safe. This Father’s Day, it’s time to honour that quiet love. The kind that shows up, day after day.

Marking 40 years of heartfelt hospitality, Khandani Rajdhani invites you to slow down and share a meaningful moment with the one who’s always been your anchor — Dad on Sunday, 15th June 2025, bring him to a space that feels just like home.

Our signature thali isn’t just a meal  it’s a full, hearty experience filled with warmth, tradition, and care. From nourishing dals and crisp farsans to indulgent Indian mithais, every element on the thali echoes the comfort and care fathers bring into our lives.

To make the day extra special, every dad dining with us will receive a handcrafted in-house mithai, made with timeless flavours and heartfelt gratitude. Plus, we’re offering complimentary live photo sessions for fathers and their children with instantly printed keepsakes to carry the memory home.

Because at Rajdhani, where generations have gathered for four decades, we believe the best way to celebrate Dad is by simply being with him sharing stories, laughter, and a thali that brings hearts closer. This Father’s Day, honour him with the love he’s given you every single day.

Where- Khandani Rajdhani, All outlets in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Chennai

When- 15th June 2025

Time- 12.00 to 4.00pm (lunch), 7.00pm to 11.00pm(dinner)

Launch of The Hindu Manifesto: A Blueprint for Civilizational Resurgence

The Hindu Manifesto, a landmark book written after years of meticulous research, was formally launched today in Delhi after a solemn two-minute silence to honor the victims of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack.

Dr. Prerna Malhotra, Joint Director of the Centre for Hindu Studies, introduced the author Swami Vigyananand as someone who walks in the footsteps of Adi Shankaracharya and also follows the modern tradition of the RSS. The Hindu Manifesto is the product of deep scholarship, drawing insights from dozens of sacred texts and reference books, and aims to serve as a vital guide for the resurgence of one of the world's oldest civilizations.

Speaking at the event, Swami Vigyananand explained that the book captures the essence of ancient wisdom, reinterpreted for contemporary times. He emphasized that Hindu thought has always addressed the needs of the present while being firmly rooted in timeless principles distilled into powerful Sutras by Rishis.

The 8 foundational sutras of The Hindu Manifestoemphasise prosperity for all, national security, quality education, responsible democracy, respect for women, social harmony, sacredness of nature, and respect for one’s heritage. 

Expounding on these sutras, Swami Vigyananand said that unlike Western capitalism or socialism, Hindu tradition proposes a balanced economic model that values wealth creation alongside fair distribution. True Dharma includes the responsibility to destroy enemies without misplaced mercy, something we forgot in the past with disastrous consequences. The importance of quality education was stressed, recognising the destruction of Bharat’s indigenous education system under colonial rule. Rooted in a republican spirit, Hindu civilization advocates for responsible governance with public participation and rejects the mentality of passive acceptance of rulers.

The second half of the book lays the foundations for a civilizational renaissance, talking about safety, dignity, and respect for women, inspired by figures like Draupadi; a non-discriminatory society based on Dharma, with the correct understanding of Varna and Jati; environmental stewardship, reflecting deep-rooted reverence for nature; and respect for the sacred geography and cultural unity of Bharat.

Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, noted that true education is a blend of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizing the need for a strong treasury and defense for a resilient state. Swami Krishnashah Vidyarthi, Mahant of Rashtriya Valmiki Mandir, said that this book promises to be transformative as it contains the essence of our Dharmic thought.

RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, in his address, reflected on the failure of purely materialistic development models that have led to dissatisfaction and environmental degradation worldwide. He highlighted Bharat’s civilizational path as the “third path” — a harmonious balance between material and spiritual well-being. However, before inspiring the world, Hindus must first embody the principles outlined in Swamiji’s book, which are rooted in the eternal wisdom of the shastras. Historically, Bharat's influence was widespread without conquest, but complacency and narrow-mindedness led to the neglect of true Dharmic values.

Hindu saints gathered at Udupi recently reaffirmed that any form of discrimination has no religious sanction, acknowledging the need to correct historical deviations. Dr. Bhagwat said that the book seeks to reignite debate and bring the authentic Hindu worldview back into consciousness — a worldview that holds no ill will, even towards adversaries. True Dharma emphasizes righteous action, societal prosperity, and adherence to the four purusharthas without rejecting worldly responsibilities. 

Bhagwat ji stressed that Dharma is deeper than religious rituals; it embodies universal truths and spiritual wisdom (adhyatmikta). He positioned ‘The Hindu Manifesto’ as an essential reference for Hindus, urging scholars, researchers, and common people alike to engage with it, fostering a contemporary and vibrant understanding of traditional knowledge.