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Secretary of Information and Publicity Daulat Hawaldar, on Sunday, said that for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj it was his unconditional service to his ‘rayats’ (citizens) that made him a tall leader.
Hawaldar said that “Shivaji was a leader of his people and the people had accepted him as their leader. That is why even after 400 years Shivaji Maharaj is still remembered and loved by all.”
Hawaldar was addressing a gathering during a function held to commemorate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti at Farmagudi. The event was organised by the Directorate of Information and Publicity in collaboration with Bandora panchayat at Bal Ganapati Mandir, on Sunday.
Prior to the function, Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma, Hawaldar, Chitra Phadte, zilla panchayat member, Nayan Naik, Bandora sarpanch, Jayant Tari, director of Information and Publicity and others paid tributes to Shivaji.
Speaking further Hawaldar said that “citizens had willingly accepted Shivaji Maharaj as their leader and it rarely happens that people willingly accept their maharaj or leader. That was biggest strength of Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji served his people without any discrimination and without any condition and that is the main reason he is in the hearts of people even after 400 years.”
Today there is a need to emulate values of Shivaji to bind people together and people should stop discriminating against each other on the basis of caste, creed and religion, Hawaldar said.
Historian Arjun Jadhav was the keynote speaker on the occasion. He highlighted various facets of Shivaji’s life. He said that Shivaji Maharaj at his times had the courage to challenge Mughal King Aurangzeb, when he imposed ‘jizya’ tax on farmers.
Jadhav also stated that Shivaji Maharaj is acknowledged worldwide for his great achievements and contribution to humanism.
Director of Information Jayant Tari and other dignitaries also addressed the gathering.
To mark the birth anniversary celebration of Shivaji Maharaj, daylong programmes were held which included solo fancy dress with dialogue competition in two categories – school level and higher secondary level and all Goa inter-collegiate quiz on the life of Shivaji Maharaj.
Students of Bal Bhavan Kendra Bandora and R P R S School, Bandora presented ‘powada’ and welcome song. While students of Dada Vaidya High School Curti presented a ‘Lezim’ programme.
Director of Information and Publicity Jayant Tari introduced the guests. Chitra Phadte welcomed the gathering. Freedom fighter Audumber Shinkre was present on the occasion. Girish Velguekar compered the programme while deputy sarpanch of Bandora panchayat Santosh Phadte delivered the vote of thanks.