Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebrated nationwide

Panaji: Rich tributes were paid to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha King, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.A state level function was organized by the Department of Information and Publicity in association with village panchayat Bandora and Zilla Panchayat Member Kavlem at Farmagudi, Ponda, in South Goa on Monday. 

The annual day-long event commenced by garlanding the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Farmagudi Fort premise by Minister for PWD Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar, Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude, Chitra Phadte, Zilla Panchayat Member, Ramchandra Naik, Sarpach Bandora and other dignitaries. This was followed by presentation of Mardani Khel by Lokmanya Group, Kolhapur and singing of Powadas by Bal Bhavan children. 

Later addressing the gathering at the function held in the precincts of Shree Ganapati Devastan at Farmagudi, Minister for PWD Sudin Dhavalikar highlighted virtues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which he pointed out needed to be imbibed in the minds of the individuals and particularly the student community. He said after attaining Swaraj, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj laid thrust on delivering good governance to the people and he treated equally all those who were associated with Hindavi Swaraj and also worked for the welfare of the weaker section irrespective of caste, creed and religion. 

Stating that the government had plans to undertake the renovation and beautification of Shivaji Fort at Farmagudi, Mr Dhavalikar stressed the need to work for the betterment of the society. ''We should think of what I will do ahead and not of what already done,'' he said. Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude felt the need to have the Farmagudi Fort on world map. Self respect was of utmost importance, he said and reminded the gathering about the Hindavi Swaraj established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

''One should take the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj everyday in life to inculcate in the minds of the people about the principles and moral values of Shivaji,'' he said. Dr Lahu Gaikwad, historian from Pune in his keynote, address expressed his views on the life and times of Shivaji Maharaj. T Sawant, Director of Information and Publicity, introduced the keynote speaker. Chitra Phadte, ZP Member welcomed the guests and Ramchandra Naik, Sarpach Bandora, proposed the vote of thanks.

To mark the day long celebration various programmes involving school and college students were held. These includes fancy dress with monologue in traditional attire and Quiz competition on the life and times of Shivaji Maharaj. Later in the evening display of fire works was held and thereafter a Marathi historical drama Raigadala Jenvha Jag Yete by Simant Natya Saunstha, Pune, was staged. (UNI)