Sharad Pawar unveils ‘man blowing tutari’ symbol of his NCP (SP) group at Raigad fort

The EC on Thursday allotted ‘man blowing turha (traditional trumpet)’ as the symbol of the senior Pawar's outfit.

Raigad/Mumbai: Invoking legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the historic Raigad Fort, veteran politician Sharad Pawar on Saturday unveiled the iconic ‘man blowing tutari’ symbol of his political outfit ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, and called the moment "an inspiration to launch a new struggle".

Chants of 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki jai' and 'Jai Bhawani, Jai Shivaji' were heard as Pawar unveiled the new symbol.

The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), the political outfit of Pawar -- which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc -- faces a major challenge of taking on the BJP-led NDA coalition, the Maha Yuti, in Maharashtra.

One of the strongest forts in the Deccan Plateau, Raigad Fort goes by various name including ‘Gibraltar of the East’, ‘Durg Raj’, 'The King of Forts'; it was here the legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of the 'Hindavi-Swarajya' or self-rule of the Hindu people.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680) was coronated in Raigad Fort on 6 June, 1674; and 2024 marks the 350 years of that defining moment in the history of this sub-continent.

The Raigad Fort - which rises 820 metres (2,700 ft) above sea level in the picturesque Sahyadri mountain ranges - comes under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

In fact, defying age, Pawar went atop the Raigad Fort after several decades.

The 83-year-old Pawar got off his vehicle at the base of the Raigad Fort, and was helped onto an open ‘palki’ (palanquin) till the ropeway entrance.

At the top, amid celebrations, Pawar was escorted to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where rich tributes were paid to the warrior-king.

The top NCP(SP) leadership including his daughter Supriya Sule, grand nephew Rohit Pawar, state unit President Jayant Patil, group leader Dr Jitendra Awhad, MP Dr Amol Kolhe were present.

In his brief address, Pawar said: “This is a tutari of joy that will help restore peoples’ democracy. This actually heralds an era of struggle… For the masses, it will bring back democracy to the people… We will take inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and march ahead.”

“Many kings and emperors came and went down in history, but only Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was called the ‘janata raja’ (peoples’ king), who served the ordinary folks,” he said amid thunderous applause.

After the Election Commission and Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar recognised Ajit Pawar-led group as the “real NCP", the poll body allotted NCP(SP) the ‘man blowing turha’ (tutari) symbol.

Tutari is a trumpet-like instrument made of brass, which was used by the Maratha army.

Even now, tutari is blown before functions - both official and private, and also during social events - reflecting the importance of the musical instrument.