Weapons exhibition at Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav ignites spirit of valour among students and youth

• Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav, Delhi 2025

• Students resolve to contribute to the nation by drawing inspiration from national heroes

New Delhi – Students from various schools and colleges in Delhi visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji -era weapons exhibition organised as part of the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam on 15 December. The exhibition showcased weapons used by the Mavalas during the establishment of Hindavi Swarajya. Students had the opportunity to see and handle these weapons, gaining first-hand experience of the valour and courage of the Mavalas. On this occasion, National Guide of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti Sadguru Charudatta Pingale, Dharma Pracharak Sadguru Nilesh Singbal, and Sanatan’s National Spokesperson Mr Chetan Rajhans interacted with the students. The students expressed that teachers and students alike would draw inspiration from national heroes and actively contribute to nation-building.

Students from Radha Krishnan Vidya Niketan School, Balaji College, and several other schools and colleges visited the exhibition.

50 students from Radha Krishan Vidya Niketan School visit the exhibition

Fifty students from Radha Krishna Vidya Niketan School, Pushp Vihar, visited the exhibition. Senior teacher Sarika Sharma and teacher Kritika Kataria accompanied the students. The students learnt detailed information about the weapons and personally handled them.

Students will strive to adopt the qualities of national heroes: Sarika Sharma, Senior Teacher, Radha Krishna Vidya Niketan School

“By viewing the weapons exhibition, students understood how skillfully weapons were manufactured in ancient India. This exhibition will help cultivate patriotism and national values among students. Our students will certainly strive to imbibe the qualities of national heroes who sacrificed for the nation.”

An Exhibition that inspires patriotism: Kritika Kataria, Teacher, Radha Krishna Vidya Niketan School

“The exhibition highlighted how advanced Chhatrapati Shivaji-era weapons were based on scientific principles. Exhibitions that present national heroes and their work should be organised in every school. This exhibition will instill a strong sense of patriotism among students.”

Reactions from students of Radha Krishna Vidya Niketan School

1. Mr Dev Narayan (Student): “It felt great to touch the weapons that were used in Indian history. I felt proud of our national heroes.”

2. Ms Pooja Kaushik (Class 6): “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fought battles at a young age using these weapons to establish Hindavi Swarajya.”

3. Ms Ananya (Class 7): “By learning about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s work, I understood how he punished those who committed atrocities against women. I also learnt about the valour of Maharana Pratap.”

4. “I will grow up to become like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi”: Aaradhya (Class 7) –

“Today we have many machines, but these weapons were handcrafted by artisans in earlier times, showing their immense hard work. I learnt about the sacrifices made by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Lakshmibai for our freedom. Rani Lakshmibai fought the British while carrying her child on her back. When I grow up, I want to become like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.”

Former Chief Justice of India Uday Lalit visited the weapons and related exhibitions along with his wife. He personally handled the weapons on display and shared his knowledge about them with the exhibition’s collector, Mr Rakesh Dhawade. Justice Lalit also stated that he would take Mr Dhawade’s contact details to learn more about the exhibits in detail.