PANAJI
Shiv Jayanti, was celebrated at MES College of Arts & Commerce, Zuarinagar, following all SOPs and precautions with a limited staff in attendance.
The function began, by lighting of traditional lamp by the dignitaries on the dais, led by the Principal Dr Manasvi Manoj Kamat.
On the occasion, the Principal Dr Manasvi Manoj Kamat recollected the near supernatural exploits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in carving up an empire during the turbulent times when India was ruled by powerful powers like the Mughals and the Adil Shahis of Bijapur on one side, and the rising European powers on the other.
Librarian Sudhir Halvegar, introduced the key Note speaker for the occasion, Shri. Narayan Mahale, retired Teacher of the M.E.S Higher Secondary School, critic, Short Story writer and calligrapher. In his address, Mahale, spoke about the trials and tribulations faced by Shivaji Maharaj in his short stint in carving up an empire for people to peacefully coexist with each other called Hindavi Maratha Swarajya.
He further added that if another 3 or 4 people of the stature of Shivaji Maharaj had appeared on the scene in that period, our motherland Bharat would have attained nationhood by the 17th Century itself and wouldn't have been looted by the European powers like the British, Portuguese, French and the Dutch.
He further added, that, Selfless attitude of thinking about the nation before oneself was instilled even amongst the followers of Shivaji Maharaj. Giving the example of Tanaji Malusare, a Commander of Shivaji Maharaj, postponed the marriage of his only son, give precedence to the campaign to recapture the fort of Kondana near Pune from the Mughals. He lost his life during this campaign.
He delved on the greatness of Jijabai, Shivaji's mother who was the main influence in his life influencing him tremendously in achieving the greatness which will remain in people's hearts for generations to come.
Vice Principal, Dr Ashish Joshi proposed a Vote of Thanks. In his address, he recollected the guerilla tactics used by Shivaji Maharaj to battle against enemy forces, whose soldiers numbered 10 to one against his army. He also recollected the ingenious techniques like use of Monitor Lizards, in climbing inaccessible heights and terrains and capturing enemy forts.
Members of the Library Advisory Committee, led by Dr R.B. Patil, aside from members of the faculty attended the function paying floral tributes to this great hero.
Chairperson of the Readers Club Dr Susan Deborah compered the function.
