Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RD)

Udupi, Apr 24: “Chatrapati Shivaji was a tiger of the nation and it is tragic that the British and intellectuals of our times labeled him a ‘mouse of the hillock’,” said social activist Prakash Malpe.

He was delivering the keynote address during Chatrapati Shivaji Jayanti held at Board High School and organized jointly by the district administration, ZP, Kannada and culture department, and Kshatriya Marata Parishat Udupi, on Monday April 23.

“This has been an annual programme that is held for namesake without much significance.  It has to project the ideals of Shivaji, patriotism, and his heroic life. It was in the past that patriotism was rekindled among the children by grandmothers through interesting stories. In this modern era, grandmothers’ tales have been replaced by TV serials,” said Malpe. He also called on education institutions to instill the qualities of Shivaji at this time of commercialization of studies.

ZP president Katpady Shankar Poojary, in his inaugural address, said that heroic icon Chatrapati Shivaji deserves to be worshipped for his bravery and for revival of religion.

TP president Devdas Hebbar presided over the programme. MLA Raghupati Bhat, district education deputy director Nagendra Madhyasta, Kshatriya Marata Maha Okkoota state secretary Dinesh Nayak More, and Kshatriya Marata Parishat district president Keshav Rao Mane were present on the occasion.

Kannada and culture department assistant director S H Shivarudrappa welcomed the gathering.  Adve Ravindra Poojary compered the programme.