On January 6th, 2025, the NSS Unit of Kannada Sangha Pune’s Kaveri College of Arts, Science, and Commerce organized a fort conservation drive at Sajjangad Fort. The initiative aimed to explore the fort’s geographic details and raise awareness about the importance of conserving historical sites and forts, under the guiding tagline, “We must take care of our heritage.”
Sajjangad Fort, located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, is a significant historical and cultural landmark. It is deeply associated with Samarth Ramdas Swami, a revered saint of the Bhakti movement, who spent his final years at this fort. The fort is not only a place of spiritual importance but also an architectural marvel.
NSS Volunteer Mr. Ved Walbhojkar played a key role in educating the volunteers about the fort, connecting its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance with the modern-day challenges of conservation. His efforts successfully engaged students, enhancing their understanding of the fort’s importance and fostering a sense of responsibility for preserving cultural and historical landmarks like Sajjangad Fort.
The fort is not just a temple with Shri Samarth’s “Samadhi” (tomb) as a place of worship but also holds deep historical and mystical significance. At the special request of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Samarth Ramdas stayed at Sajjangad from 1676 to 1681. The location where he resided is now known as the Ramdas Swami Muth (Samarth’s Monastery). Additionally, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, also stayed there for about two months, making it not only a sacred place but also a site of great historical significance.
During the conservation drive, the NSS volunteers cleaned the entire fort, segregating waste, and raised awareness about fort conservation among visitors. They encouraged everyone to contribute to keeping the fort clean and preserving its heritage. More than 40 students volunteered and participated in this initiative.
