Mapusa council's ex-head cites capture of Bicholim, Pernem from Adilshahi forces
Former MMC chairperson Sandip Falari addressing a gathering during Shiv Jayanti function in Mapusa. Mapusa Chairperson, Nutan Bicholkar was the chief guest at the event.
MAPUSA
Former Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council, Sandip Falari on Thursday highlighted the endeavours of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule while commemorating the birth anniversary of the Maratha warrior king in Mapusa.
Falari also underscored Shivaji Maharaj's efforts in reconstructing the Shri Sapta Koteswar temple at Narve in Bicholim.
Addressing a gathering as the keynote speaker at the Shiv Jayanti celebrations organised by Mapusa Utkarsh Mandal near Hutatma Chowk, Mapusa, in the presence of Chief Guest Nutan Bicholkar, Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council, Falari recounted Shivaji Maharaj's strategic vision.
He emphasised that Shivaji Maharaj recognised the Portuguese's stronghold on the coastline due to their robust naval presence and aimed to bring it under Maratha control.
He noted that the Portuguese's aggressive actions, including forced conversions under the "inquisition," provided additional impetus for Shivaji's resistance against them.
Falari continued by narrating historical events, mentioning Shivaji Maharaj's capture of the talukas of Bicholim and Pernem from the Adilshahi forces in 1661, along with subsequent attacks on the fort of Ponda.
He highlighted Shivaji's 1668 attempt to capture Goa island, albeit unsuccessful.
Despite setbacks, the ex-chairperson emphasised Shivaji's relentless efforts to free Goa from Portuguese rule until his sudden demise in 1680.
Furthermore, he mentioned the Portuguese's fear and admiration for the Maratha warrior king.
Present at the event were President of Mapusa Utkarsh Mandal, Narayan (Baba) Karekar, MMC councillor Sudhir Kandolkar, along with ex-councillors Narayan Ratwad, Gurudas Vaingankar, Sanjay Mishal, and Tushar Tople.
Alongside the Shiv Jayanthi celebrations, other programmes were organised, including a cultural event by Swaraj Gomantak near the taxi stand and a bike rally in town.
