Balkrishna alias Appa Parab : An 86-year-old Karmayogi tirelessly spreading the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Mr Balkrishna Sadashiv Parab, fondly called Appa, was born on 8^th May 1940 in Mumbai. Since childhood, he had immense fascination for forts and fortresses of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s era. Starting from his school days, he began exploring these historic sites. Even after his father’s death and while fulfilling his family and other duties, he never gave up his passion for fort exploration. Now Appa is 86-years-old; he has explored 250 forts. There would hardly be anyone like him in the country who has such fort exploration.

Many people enjoy trekking to forts, but what sets Appa apart is that he brought the silent stones and soil of these forts to life by sharing the valour of the Marathas, the bravery of the Mavalas (Soldiers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj), and the heroic tales of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with lakhs of youth, awakening pride in Hindu Dharma among them.

His contribution is truly unparalleled. While these forts witnessed immense valour, they could not narrate their history. Appa internalised these emotions, conducted research to verify historical truths, and presented the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with proper references. Through this Article, let us understand the noble mission of this modern-day Mavala.

Mr Balkrishna Sadashiv Parab

Special Column

The sacrifice of the soldiers and generals for the Hindavi Swarajya as envisaged by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is supreme. Similarly, in the present times, many devout Hindus and patriotic citizens of this country have been striving to protect the Nation & Dharma.

The ‘Hindutva Warriors’ is a series of Articles that sheds light on their lives and struggles to protect Hindu Dharma. We hope that this serves as a catalyst for the mission of establishing the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ and inspires many others. – Editor

1. Refusing money to narrate the history written in blood

Balkrishna alias Appa Parab

Many historians and speakers accept some money to narrate the tales of national heroes. While not all are commercial, family obligations often require them to accept. Some even demand exorbitant fees. However, despite his modest financial background, Appa never took money to narrate history. He never accepted a single Rupee as honorariums offered by event organisers.

At the age of 10, while visiting the Sinhagad Fort, he took a vow : If I ever get the opportunity to narrate or write the history of those who shed their blood to create it, I will never accept money for it. He has honoured this vow throughout his life. Only someone with a deep sense of national pride and duty can live by such a principle. There are many who talk about patriotism, but very few who truly live it. Appa is one of those few selfless Karmayogis.

2. In-depth study of various historical references

Appa’s family was not financially well-off. After his father passed away, he began selling books in Dadar (West) to support his family. He used his free time and holidays to explore forts. These visits were not just for sightseeing – they were research expeditions. He studied in-depth historical references, novels, chronicles, and documents handed down from generations. He made meticulous notes, verified facts, and preserved these references for hundreds of forts across Maharashtra. His books and his powerful oratory are a result of this rigorous study.

3. He did not abandon the mission despite poverty

After completing his matriculation and his father’s death, Appa took up newspaper delivery and worked in bookshops during summer vacations to support his family. He later worked in the same mill as his father did until it shut down due to a workers’ strike. Subsequently, he began selling old books and magazines, through which he fulfilled family responsibilities, including his sisters’ weddings. Even while struggling financially, Appa continued his fort explorations with various organisations, spreading Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy among the youth. All this without ever accepting money. His efforts were purely selfless.

4. A style of storytelling that inspires pride in Hindutva and Swarajya

While describing the Mahadwar (Main gate) of Raigad Fort, Appa says, ‘Before you cross this doorstep, remember : This doorstep is sanctified by the footsteps of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Hindavi Swarajya; Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who taught us how to die for Dharma; Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, who taught us how to fight surrounded by enemies; and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who sent our Peshwa (Bajirao 1) to hoist the flag beyond Attock. These four kings were nurtured with the values of Rajmata Jijau. If you can carry even a spark of their ideals within your character, only then set your foot inside, otherwise, turn back’.

Appa believes that the pride in Hindutva and Swarajya cannot merely be spoken – it must live in the heart. His own heart is a radiant museum of this glorious history.

5. The noble mission of passing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy to future generations

Many admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and fort conservation organisations used to reach out to Appa, inviting him as a guide to learn about the history of various forts during their excursions. Appa would eagerly accompany them and narrate their comprehensive history right from the very first step. This history, which flowed from one heart to another, shaped the destiny of the future generations of Maharashtra and India. He firmly believes – ‘History cannot be truly understood merely by reading books; one must visit the actual sites and relate the geographical layout to the events that took place there’. This is Appa’s guiding principle. With unwavering energy and enthusiasm, he shares the tales of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s valour with the youth, and they, in turn, listen with equal devotion and deep engagement.

Appa’s literary contributions

Balkrishna alias Appa Parab

In 2004, Appa authored his first book titled ‘Chhatrapati Shivarayancha Armari Subhedar Mayaji Naik Bhatkar’ (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Naval Commander Mayaji Naik Bhatkar). He has written 34 books, including ‘Shiva-janma’, ‘Kille Panhala Auranghanakhyan’, ‘Kille Raigad Pradakshinechya Vatevar’, ‘Shivarayanchya Ashtarajni’, ‘Kille Rajgad Pradakshinechya Vatevar’, ‘Shri Bhavani Talwar’, ‘Kille Rajgad Bakhar’, and ‘Ghodkhindichi Saksha’ among others.

Six of his books are yet to be published. All these works are the result of Appa’s extensive travels across forts, thorough deep study and research of historical documents. Through these books, the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s valour has reached lakhs of youth across the country.

6. Family’s invaluable support in his mission

Behind every great man is the sacrifice of his family. Spreading Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy was not Appa’s profession, but a duty carried out with love and devotion. Often, he would spend days on fort expeditions without any income, which naturally caused financial strain. Yet, neither his wife nor his children ever complained. Their support is an invaluable part of Appa’s mission.

7. Honoured with numerous Awards

Appa has been honoured with numerous Awards, including : ‘Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar’ at the Girimitra Sammelan, ‘Vaidya Patankar Kadha Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar’, ‘Mumbai Coins Collector Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar’, ‘Chaturang Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar’.

He has guided countless represent-atives and members of institutions across Maharashtra on fort explorations, never accepting any honorarium.

Instilling values, not just teaching history !

In 2023, during the Chaturang Rang Sammelan, a book titled ‘Triveni’ was released, chronicling Appa’s life. It included an Arti-cle titled ‘A Supportive Friend’ by his son-in-law Arvind Shinde. He recalls how Appa once told him, ‘Even if my daughter goes hungry for a day, never earn money through dishonest means’. This reflects Appa’s moral integrity, which he practiced throughout his life. He instilled strong values in his children and grandchildren and taught them the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Appa’s belief is that we must strive not just to educate the next generation but to cultivate cultured citizens. His life sets an example in this regard.

Youth should study the forts : Appa’s appeal

Through lectures, writings, and guided treks, Appa has spent his life bringing Chhatrapati Shivaji-era history to the people. His relentless efforts have created a priceless legacy for future generations. It can be definitely said that his selfless mission and love for the Nation have inspired lakhs of youth.

Appa’s belief is that we must strive not just to educate the next generation but to cultivate cultured citizens !