To commemorate the 350th birth anniversary of the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, majestic statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled in Porvorim on 19th February at the hands of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant along with the esteemed presence of Shri. Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri. Nilakant Halarnkar, Minister for Fisheries, Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira M.L.A Aldona Constituency, Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri. Ganesh Chandru Gaonkar, Hon’ble Chairman of GTDC, ZP Kavita Naik, Penha De Franca, Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar, Penha De Franca, Sarpanch Sonia Pednekar, Socorro.
Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant stated “Today as we celebrate the 350th birth anniversary of the illustrious Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, his courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice serves as guiding beacons for us all. As we commemorate this momentous occasion, let us reflect on the values that Shivaji Maharaj stood for – integrity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of righteousness. Let this majestic statue of Shivaji Maharaj serve as a reminder of his enduring legacy and the principles that he embodied and inspire us to uphold the ideals of truth, courage, and compassion in our own lives and in our society.”
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte stated “Today, we come together to pay tribute to a legendary figure whose contributions to our history and culture are immeasurable. Through such events, we have the opportunity to showcase the rich culture of Goa, and to celebrate the traditions that have been passed down through generations. Each aspect of today’s event is a testament to the enduring legacy of our shared heritage. As we honor the memory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, let us also recognize the importance of tourism in preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. Goa, with its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, is a testament to the potential of tourism to create economic opportunities and foster cultural exchange.”
This statue crafted with meticulous attention to detail, stood tall and proud, serving as a powerful symbol of Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring legacy of valor, pride, and indomitable spirit. As the veil was lifted, the statue revealed the commanding presence of Shivaji Maharaj, evoking a sense of great respect among the audience. The statue captured the essence of Shivaji Maharaj’s strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice. It stood as a visible reminder of his remarkable achievements and his enduring influence on the hearts and minds of the people, inspiring future generations to uphold his noble ideals and principles.
An exhibition from Shivaji Maharaj era is also open to the public from 18th to 20th February at the District Institute of Education & Training (DIET) hall in Porvorim. This special showcase offers a glimpse into the historical artifacts that once played a significant role during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. From formidable weapons that echoed the valor of warriors to intricately crafted coins, each artifact carries with it a story of its own.
