Maharashtra Day and Labour Day, observed annually on May 1, hold deep emotional and cultural significance for every Marathi-speaking citizen while also honouring the invaluable contribution of workers across the state. Marking the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a special letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, extending greetings to the people of the state. Fadnavis later shared the letter publicly and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his thoughtful message. He stated that Maharashtra Day is extremely important for every resident of the state, and receiving greetings from the Prime Minister made the celebration even more special and memorable for all Maharashtrians.
Fadnavis said the Prime Minister’s letter beautifully highlighted Maharashtra’s glorious traditions, social and cultural contributions, economic growth, and its role in India’s development journey. He also appreciated Modi for acknowledging the transformation taking place in regions like Gadchiroli. Calling the Prime Minister’s guidance and unwavering support invaluable for Maharashtra, the Chief Minister said Modi has always remained a source of inspiration. He further expressed confidence that such encouragement and guidance would continue in the future. On behalf of the people of Maharashtra, Fadnavis thanked the Prime Minister for personally extending wishes on the occasion and said the message reflected a deep understanding of the state’s heritage, achievements, and aspirations for the future.
In his letter, Prime Minister Modi extended heartfelt greetings to Fadnavis and the people of Maharashtra on the state’s foundation day. He described the occasion as extremely special for every Maharashtrian and said it was a time to pay tribute to a state that has significantly shaped India’s society and civilisation. Modi wrote that Maharashtra has long served as a source of inspiration due to its bravery, values, dedication, social reform movements, and contribution to nation-building. Referring to the Konkan coast and Sahyadri ranges, he highlighted the state’s rich legacy of heroism, while also praising the Bhakti movement and Warkari tradition for spreading social awareness and spiritual awakening across generations.
The Prime Minister stated that Maharashtra has been blessed with the timeless inspiration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose vision of Swarajya continues to guide the nation in governance, courage, and patriotism. He also remembered Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose ideas continue to illuminate India’s democratic path. Modi said leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar inspired generations with patriotism, while Maharashtra’s saint tradition strengthened the state spiritually and morally. He further noted that 2026 would be a landmark year for Maharashtra as it marks several historic anniversaries linked to social reform, empowerment, justice, and cultural identity.
Modi highlighted that the state would celebrate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, the 150th birth anniversary of Sant Gadge Baba, the centenary of the Mahad Chavdar Tale Satyagraha, the birth centenary of Balasaheb Thackeray, and 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. According to Modi, these milestones represent Maharashtra’s commitment to equality, social harmony, women’s empowerment, and cultural pride. He praised the Maharashtra government’s decision to dedicate the year to equality and social harmony, calling it a fitting tribute to the state’s progressive legacy and reformist traditions.
The Prime Minister also expressed happiness over three recent achievements linked to Maharashtra. He praised the inclusion of 12 forts of the Maratha Empire, including 11 located in Maharashtra, in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, describing them as living symbols of courage, self-respect, and strategic brilliance. Modi also said it was a matter of pride for the NDA government to grant classical language status to Marathi in 2024, fulfilling a long-pending demand. He stated that Marathi has immensely enriched India’s intellectual and spiritual traditions. In addition, he referred to the unveiling of Dr Ambedkar’s bust at UNESCO headquarters in Paris during Constitution Day celebrations as a tribute to a personality whose influence extends globally.
Modi further underlined Maharashtra’s leading contribution to India’s economic transformation. He said the state has played a major role in sectors ranging from industry and innovation to finance, manufacturing, commerce, and creativity. Maharashtra has also remained a preferred destination for investors, helping it emerge as a leader in infrastructure development. Appreciating the state government’s efforts, the Prime Minister said the vision of a “Developed Maharashtra” aligns perfectly with the national goal of achieving a “Developed India” by 2047. He noted that Maharashtra has strategically planned development targets for 2029, 2035, and 2047, balancing immediate action with long-term national objectives for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Prime Minister stated that the Centre’s support for Maharashtra has become stronger than ever before. He mentioned that the state received a record allocation of Rs 24,000 crore for major railway projects in 2025-26. Modi said world-class infrastructure and connectivity are crucial for a state like Maharashtra, and several transformative projects are underway. He referred to the expansion of Mumbai Metro’s Aqua Line, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the ambitious Vadhvan Port project as game-changing developments. Modi also highlighted the Shaktipeeth Highway and the Bidkin industrial area in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, saying these projects would create large-scale employment opportunities and strengthen India’s journey towards self-reliance and industrial growth.
The Prime Minister appreciated Maharashtra’s leadership in data centres, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Recalling his visit to Mumbai for the WAVES summit last year, he described Maharashtra as a key pillar in strengthening India’s creative and orange economy. Modi said new development hubs have emerged in recent years, transforming districts once considered unlikely investment destinations. He specifically highlighted the remarkable transformation in Gadchiroli, where the decline of Maoist influence has opened doors for development and large-scale investments worth thousands of crores. Modi also praised efforts to tackle water scarcity in regions such as Marathwada and acknowledged Maharashtra’s farmers and cooperative movement for setting examples in sustainable livelihoods and community empowerment.
Referring to the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, Modi said devotees from across the country would soon gather in Maharashtra for the major spiritual event. He extended best wishes to the local administration preparing for the gathering and said the Centre was improving facilities for pilgrims under the PRASHAD scheme. The Prime Minister also expressed grief over the deaths of prominent personalities associated with Maharashtra and said their contributions would continue to inspire future generations. Concluding his letter, Modi said Maharashtra’s role would remain decisive in building a developed and self-reliant India. He paid tribute to workers, farmers, saints, reformers, entrepreneurs, artists, and ordinary citizens whose efforts have made Maharashtra extraordinary, while invoking the blessings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajmata Jijau.