Pune: The installation of statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mahadji Shinde, which was planned in New York City in March 2026, has been postponed due to the prevailing war situation. The statues will now likely be installed in June or July, informed Uttamrao Shinde Sarkar of the Shinde Sarkar Foundation.
The statues of the two great warriors were planned to be erected at a prominent tourist location in New York to showcase their legacy of bravery, self-rule, and pride to a global audience. The initiative was being jointly organized by the Shinde Sarkar Foundation and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Pratishthan. Preparations had already been completed and invitations had been sent for the event earlier scheduled for March–April 2026.
However, considering the current war situation, Kalyanji, representing the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mandal, contacted Uttamrao Shinde Sarkar by phone and requested that the proposed program for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shrimant Mahadji Shinde Memorial be postponed for a few days.
Following this request, a meeting of the Shinde Sarkar Foundation was held today. In the meeting, it was decided that the new date for the program will be announced in June or July, depending on the stability of the global situation. The final date will be publicly announced once conditions normalize.
The statues have been sculpted by renowned sculptor Vivek Khatawkar. The initiative aims to highlight the global legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mahadji Shinde, inspiring people around the world.
The concept for this project was envisioned by Uttamrao Shinde Sarkar. Cultural cooperation from both the central and state governments is also expected for the event. As the program involves significant expenses, organizers have appealed for support and cooperation from the public.
