On the occasion of Maharashtra’s 66th Foundation Day, the state once again took center stage in India’s national imagination—not only as a powerhouse of progress but also as a land of deep-rooted pride and cultural legacy.
Addressing the state’s remarkable journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Maharashtra as a “strong pillar of progress” and praised its contribution to India’s development and heritage.
“When one thinks of Maharashtra, its glorious history and the courage of its people come to mind. The state remains a strong pillar of progress while staying rooted in its traditions,” he shared on social media platform X.
Fadnavis: Maharashtra Aiming for $1 Trillion Economy
Just months earlier, on January 10, 2025, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while speaking at an event in Pune, expressed confidence in Maharashtra’s economic vision:
“Maharashtra is in unstoppable mode in terms of development.”
He projected that Maharashtra could become the first Indian state to cross the $1 trillion economy mark before 2030, driven by consistent growth and administrative reforms.
“Going by Maharashtra’s growth rate, the state is set to be a $1 trillion economy by 2032. However, if we take more efforts in pushing growth, we can achieve that mark in 2028 or 2029 also,” Fadnavis added, as reported by the Times of India.
🌆 Maharashtra: Where Legacy Meets Leadership
Often referred to as the Gateway of India, Maharashtra is far more than a commercial hub. It is a cultural, industrial, and intellectual epicentre.
From bustling farmlands to Bollywood red carpets, its contributions include:
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🚜 Leadership in agriculture, trade, and transport
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🎓 World-class education and innovation hubs
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🎬 A thriving cinema and arts industry, led by Bollywood
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🏛️ Heritage marvels like Ajanta and Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
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🎶 Rich traditions in music, literature, and folk art
This is a state where progress and tradition coexist, creating a unique narrative of modern India.
The Anthem of Pride: Jaya Jaya Maharashtra Majha
On Maharashtra Day, the streets echo with the powerful lyrics of the state’s official anthem, “Jaya Jaya Maharashtra Majha”, which translates to “Victory to My Maharashtra.”
It is more than a song — it is a symbol of unity, reminding citizens of their shared history, identity, and pride.
🧠 What the Rest of India Thinks of Maharashtra
While leaders focus on economy and policy, people across India form their impressions from personal experience. Here’s what some have shared:(from quora)
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🟡 From Assam: Maharashtrians are perceived as open-minded and adaptable, more willing to accept change than those from conservative regions.
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🟠 From Gujarat: Some outsiders have felt excluded, especially where there’s pressure to speak Marathi.
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🔵 From Kerala (via Indore): Concerns about language hostility faded after respectful day-to-day interactions.
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🔴 From Delhi: Maharashtra earns praise for women’s safety, but caste and language tensions are still occasionally observed.
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🟣 From Tamil Nadu (born in Thane): Proudly calls herself a “Thamizh Maharashtrian,” comfortably bilingual and deeply integrated.
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🟢 From Uttarakhand: Initially hesitant, she’s now learning Marathi and Kumaoni, embracing the state’s people and diversity.
📍 One State, Many Stories
From the policymaker’s podium to people’s daily lives, Maharashtra continues to be a land of dreams, debates, and determination. As it sets its sights on becoming a trillion-dollar economy, the foundation remains the same — a state built on courage, culture, and community.
On its 66th year, Maharashtra doesn’t just celebrate its past — it steps confidently into the future.
