the goan I network
PONDA
Rivalries continued to take centrestage at the Shiv Jayanti celebrations in Farmagudi on Tuesday, as Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar lost no opportunity to take veiled digs at each other for the second year in a row.
While Gaude emphasised self-respect and the need to shun stooping in front of some people, Dhavalikar said Shivaji Maharaj had never taught his “Ashtapradhan Mandal’’ (eight-minister group) to abuse others.
The two cabinet colleagues, who are arch-rivals from Ponda taluka, were addressing the state-level Chhatrapati Shivaj Maharaj Jayanti celebration at Farmagudi. Others present at the function included ZP Member (Kavale) Chitra Phadte, Chairperson of Ponda Muncipal Council Pradip Naik, Keynote Speaker Sachin Balasaheb Madge, Bandora Deputy Sarpanch Saloni Gawade and Director of Information and Publicity Narayan Navti.
Barely weeks after the alleged war of words between Gaude and Dhavalikar at a cabinet meeting, Gaude addressed the gathering and said Shivaji Maharaj had taught people to live with self respect and one should practice it.
“Shivaji Maharaj had told people to live and die with self-respect. If you practice self-respect, you will not have to stoop before some people. Not at least in front of politicians,” said Gaude, in a veiled taunt at Dhavalikar.
Continuing further, Gaude said Shivaji Maharaj had dedicated himself for welfare of the world and to spread brotherhood, while working in the best interest of society.
Citing punishment to ministers in the Ashtrapradhan Mandal by Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Gaude said: “Even in present era, there are persons like ‘Dattoji Pant’ and ‘Balaji Aawaji’, who should be crushed under the foot of people. Only then will our freedom have real meaning.”
Speaking after Gaude, Dhavalikar responded to Gaude’s comments on the ‘Ashtapradhan Mandal’, stating that Shivaji had taught good things to his ‘Ashtapradhan Mandal’ and never taught them to abuse others. “Those who possess good thoughts will always speak good things. They will never give abuse others,” said Dhavalikar, in an apparent dig at Gaude.
It may be recalled that last year at the Shiv Jayanti function in Farmagudi, Gaude and Dhavalikar had sparred over the beautification of Shivaji fort at Farmagudi.
Sudin calls for concerted efforts
to combat terrorism
PONDA: PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Tuesday called for concerted and determined efforts to combat incidents of terrorism like the one occurred at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir where several Indian soldiers were killed.
This, he said, can be accomplished by imbibing in the minds of the people and particularly the younger generation, good values, valour and bravery of Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj, who fought to build Hindavi Swaraj.
Speaking at the state level Chhatrapati Shivaj Maharaj Jayanti celebration at Farmagudi, Dhavalikar said he had been troubled over the recent killings of Indian soldiers in Pulwama. “I feel sad that our soldiers died while protecting us. We need to speak on this issue and need to dedicate ourselves to nation,” Dhavalikar said.
Sachin Madage, the keynote speaker, in his address focused on the history of Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj in relation with Goa. Apart from this, he also spoke about his life, work and his role in nation building.
Earlier, the children of Bal Bhavan Kendras at Bandora and Durbhat presented a welcome song. To mark the celebration, various activities like solo fancy dress with dialogue competition and inter college competitions were organised.
`37 cr for Shivaji fort beautification
PONDA: PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Tuesday released a Rs 37 crore plan for the refurbishment and beautification of the Chatrapati Shivaji fort at Farmagudi-Ponda.
Releasing the plan on the occasion of Chatrapati Shivaji Jayanti, Dhavalikar said the project would be ready within two years.
“It will be taken up in two phases. We have planned many good things to give the structure the real feel of a fort,” Dhavalikar said.
He said that total developed area would be around 4,000 sq mtrs, which would include parking facilities, 4D theatre, fountain show, viewing gallery, children’s play area and a gift emporium.
“This project will give a five-fold boost to tourism activities as compared to the present situation. This will be a unique project,” said Dhavalikar.
Dhavalikar said the life of Shivaji Maharaj along with importance of his ‘Ashtapradhan Mandal’ (group of ministers) and Jijabai would also be on display.
He said the plan would be kept open to public for the next 15 days for their suggestions.
Stating that the beautification of the existing fort at Farmagudi would be taken up through the tourism department of Tourism and PWD, Dhavalikar appealed to people to provide appropriate suggestion for the beautification of the fort.
