In a historic move, Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced that the first-ever Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Rajya Prerna Geet Award will be awarded to the iconic song 'Anadi Me, Anant Me…,' written by revolutionary freedom fighter and Hindutva ideologue Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The announcement was made from the historic Port of Marseilles in France.

A prestigious new honour for inspirational songs

Formed after renowned state awards like the Maharashtra Bhushan, this newly instituted honour will recognise exceptional and inspirational songs (prerna geet) that leave a lasting impact. Further, the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Rajya Prerna Geet Award will be an annual recognition, celebrating works that boost motivation and patriotic fervour.

As per official reports, the award carries a cash prize of ₹2 lakh, along with a commemorative memento, acknowledging the contribution of lyricists and composers in crafting songs that inspire generations.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis supports the decision

The announcement was met with widespread appreciation, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressing his satisfaction with the selection of Savarkar's poem for this honour.

Fadnavis' earlier post on X noted: "Tomorrow is the day of the self-sacrifice of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar! I am very happy that the state government has decided to award the 'Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj State Prerna Geet Puraskar-2025' to the poem 'Anadi Mi Anant Mi Avadhya Mi Bhala, Marila Ripu Jagati Asa Kavan Janmala'. This is the first year of the award, and it will be given annually. The award will consist of a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and a memento. Millions of salutes to Veer Savarkar!"

Today, on the martyrdom day of Swatantryaveer Savarkar, he wrote, "Yesterday, the newly launched Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj State Inspirational Song Award-2025 was announced for Veer Savarkar's song 'Anadi Me Anant Me...'."

He continued, "Veer Savarkar had jumped into the sea in the port of Marseilles. He was determined to revive the fight for freedom. But, unfortunately, he was caught. Knowing that he would be persecuted by the British, Veer Savarkar had composed this song to increase his own and his countrymen's self-confidence. This song was sung by Dr. Bharat Balwali in a program. He sent it to me yesterday. Today, on the death anniversary of Veer Savarkar, it will definitely give a new inspiration to all of us. Humble tributes to Swatantryaveer Savarkar!"

Additionally, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol also voiced his support from Pune. Speaking to ANI, he stated, "I think the Maharashtra government has made an excellent decision... It fills us all with immense pride."