UNESCO recognition for 12 forts is matter of pride Ajit Pawar

Mumbai, Jul 11 (PTI) Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday said the inclusion of 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage List was a matter of immense historical and cultural significance and pride for the state.
These forts, which include the Ginjee fort in Tamil Nadu, bear witness to the valour, sacrifice and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha warriors, and now their legacy would gain global visibility and respect, Pawar said.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his active support in the successful nomination and extended congratulations to the people of Maharashtra.
Pawar also appreciated the efforts of the state's Department of Cultural Affairs in meticulously preparing the proposal, and said the recognition highlights Maharashtra's historical and architectural glory.
He also urged the people of Maharashtra to take a renewed pledge for the protection and conservation of all forts across the state.
The inclusion of these forts in the UNESCO list is a global acknowledgement of Maharashtra's cultural depth, the foresight of Shivaji Maharaj, and the power of the people who built and protected them, he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)