Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has highlighted the significance of integrating Shivaji’s ideology into our conduct and actions, aiming to instil his beliefs in our behaviour and endeavours. He was speaking after garlanding the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the State-level function organised by the Department of Information and Publicity in association with Village Panchayat Bandora and Zilla Panchayat Member Kavlem at Farmagudi, Ponda today.
Chief Minister in his speech further said that Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji, played a crucial role in shaping the esteemed leader Shivaji Maharaj.The Indian Navy’s adoption of new admirals’ epaulettes, drawing inspiration from the Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is a tribute to Shivaji and his visionary leadership, Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister underscored the need to adhere to principles preached by Shivaji, which included excellent education, utmost culture, common sense, self-protection, and social sensitivity. The Chief Minister remarked that the Prime Minister is adhering to the same principles of Shivaji, emphasizing the importance of providing the highest education to the youth by re skilling and up skilling them.The Chief Minister stated that Shivaji’s profound patriotism was ingrained in his very essence.
The Chief Minister appealed to students to not just prioritise their own aspirations but also to make meaningful contributions in nation building and the State as a whole.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals of unity and inclusivity as vital components in establishing swarajya (self-rule) led him to seek support from a broad spectrum of social groups, including fishermen, farmers, artisans, traders, and individuals from various castes and communities. The Chief Minister emphasized this inclusive strategy during his address. Additionally, he highlighted the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Yojna, aimed at the welfare of traders and artisans. In order to protect themselves he appealed to the student community to undergo training in self defence for their security and safety.
Minister for Art and Culture Shri Govind Gaude stated “If we embody the values, principles, and footsteps of Chhatrapati Shivaji in our endeavours, we can aspire to be like Shivaji, if not Chhatrapati.Gaude stressed the importance of planning, drawing inspiration from Shivaji’s strategic approach. He noted with concern that many youngsters today, even after completing their education, lack the skill of planning, highlighting the necessity of instilling this capability.
Power Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavlikar highlighted the pivotal role played by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in establishing the Hindavi Swarajya or Hindavi Rashtra, attributing it to the advancement of our nation. He urged individuals to take pride in this development.
During his keynote address, Dr. Sagar Deshpande, a historian and freedom fighter from Pune provided an extensive insight into the life and era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Dr. Sagar emphasized that Shivaji valued talent within society and effectively utilised it in the development of his empire, which he referred to as the kingdom of the people. Additionally, he highlighted Shivaji’s multifaceted abilities as a visionary, astute administrator, and statesman, apart from his role as a Legendary Maratha warrior.
To mark the day long celebration various competitions involving High school, Higher secondary and College students was held .This included All Goa Theatrical Entry competition and All Goa Inter Collegiate Quiz on the topic – Life, Times and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These competition received overwhelming response from the students from across the State . Smt Leena Pednekar, Shri Zilu Gaonkar and Kajal Chodankar judged the competition.
Minister for Agriculture, Shri. Ravi Naik, MLA, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairperson of Ponda Municipal Council, Shri. Ritesh Naik, Director of DIP, Shri. Dipak Bandekar, along with freedom fighters, and other dignitaries, offered floral tributes at the statue of Maratha Warrior
Earlier Shri Narendra Tari, member of State level committee for celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti introduced the keynote speaker and also explained the day long programme.
