Panaji: February 21,2020 … Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant today highlighted the need to follow the thoughts and ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to create a State on the lines of kingdom ruled by Shivaji Maharaj.
Speaking as the Chief Guest after paying tributes to Ch. Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion of his birth anniversary celebration by the State at a function organized by the Department of Information & Publicity in association with Bandora Village Panchayat and Kavale ZP Member at Farmagudi Ponda.
The Chief Minister informed that the Government has plans to undertake expansion including development and beautification of the existing fort at Farmagudi, foundation for which will be laid shortly to ensure that the work is accomplished within one year. He said once the work of expansion is completed, the fort will be equipped with portraits of Shivaji Maharaj, besides artefacts, ammunitions and other items used by the great Maratha warrior during his regime.
The function was attended by Minister for Art & Culture Shri Govind Gaude,Ex-Chief Minister & MLA Shri Ravi Naik; Chairperson, PMC, Shri Venkatesh Naik; Secretary for Information, Shri Sanjay Kumar IAS, and others attended the function.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to imbibe in the minds of the people and particularly the students community the principles and morals preached by the legendary Maratha king in the history.
Minister for Art & Culture Shri Govind Gaude in his address stressed the need for skills of proper planning adopted by Shivaji Maharaj the Maratha King. He said Shivaji with his shrewd qualities coupled with firm determination and valour succeeded in conquering many forts. He was a mass leader and has always served people irrespective of caste, creed, sex and religion and advised to adhere to sincerity in all respect.
Dr. Padmakar Gorhe, the Keynote Speaker from Pune, delivered his keynote address in which he spoke on the life and work of Shivaji Maharaj. He said Shivaji was popular among the people belonging to different faiths. He was a man with secular outlook who worked tirelessly to give justice to the people.
Prior to the main function held in the precincts of Shree Ganapati Devasthan, the Chief Minister and Minister for Art & Culture Shri Govind Gaude and other dignitaries garlanded the statue of Shivaji Maharaj at fort premises and offered floral tributes. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries also garlanded the statue of first Chief Minister of Goa Late Bhausaheb Bandodkar. The children of Bal Bhavan presented bravery song on Shivaji Maharaj ( powada ) welcome song. Women attached to Stree Garjana comprising of 40 women presented dhol, tasha, pathak. While the students of Dada Vaidya High School presented lejhim dance.etc.
As a part of the celebration inter collegiate quiz and theatrical entry (Natya Pravesh) competitions were organized.
Shri Shanto Naik AIO, introduced the keynote speaker.
Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director Department of Information & Publicity, welcomed the guests.
Shri Gaurish velguekar compered the function while Shri Shyam Gaonkar, Information Assistant proposed the vote of thanks.
