PONDA::: January 17, 2019…Citizens in Ponda witnessed a historic and mesmerizing ‘Chatrapati Shambhuraje Rajyabhishek Sohala’ at Farmangudi fort today. The event was organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture in association with Hindavi Swarajya Sangatan, Ponda and Chatrapati Shambhuraje Rajyabhishek Trust, Maharashtra to celebrate the coronation of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Speaker Dr. Pramod Sawant was the Chief Guest while Minister for Art and Culture Shri. Govind Gaude presided over the function. Historian Shri. Bhagwanrao Chile, President of Chatrapati Shambhuraje Rajyabhishek Trust Shri. Amarsingh Jadhavrao, Member of Hindavi Swarajya Sanghtana Shri. Nandadeep Naik, DySP Smt. Sunita Sawant, Headmasters and Principals of local schools were present among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sawant urged students to inculcate patriotism and be obedient to their parents. “Many historians have portrayed Sambhaji Maharaj in a wrong manner. He was as powerful as his father and had profound respect for him and the nation. Today’s youth must learn these two things from the great king to become successful in life,” he said.
In his welcome address Minister Shri. Gaude opined that understanding the real character of Sambhaji Maharaj is the need of an hour. “Sambhaji was a true nationalist. He was as intelligent as his father Shivaji and was a warrior king. He was neither an alcoholic nor promiscuous; he was a very loyal Maratha soldier who tirelessly fought till his last breath. His devotion towards this nation and religion is very unique,” Gaude said. The Minister added that in order to have more such warrior kings, capable Jijamata should be also born and not die in the womb; and every Indian leader must be celebrated in schools in order to pass our historical legacies to the younger generation.
The function began early morning with Abhishek at Saptakotishwar Temple and at the statue of Sambhaji Maharaj. MLA of Maem Constituency Shri. Pravin Zantye was present. The function at Farmagudi began with a rally in which Dhol Tasha pathak and Shivgarjana Mardani khel by a group of artistes from Kolhapur were the two major attractions. This was followed Gadpooja (worshiping the fort) and dhwajpooja (flag hoisting). Shivrajyabhik was performed by Girl students of local schools by anointing water from 11 rivers onto the statue of Sambhaji Maharaj. An oil painting of Shivaji Maharaj performing Abhishek at Saptakotishwar temple and a portrait of Sambhaji Maharaj by artists Vishwanath Khilaari and Dinesh Kachi were released by the dignitaries on this occasion. An informative guest lecture by Historian Shri. Bhagawanrao Chile was also held on the occasion.
Shri. Govind Bhagat compered the function and proposed the vote of thanks.
