Nearly 400 children wearing masks of Chhatrapati Shivaji caught the attention of passers-by near Sarada College on BRTS Road here on Wednesday as the youngsters paid tributes to the Maratha king on the occasion of his birth anniversary in a programme organised by Chhatrapati Sivaji Memorial Trust (CSMT).
Trust president Y. Lokanatha Sarma, convener N. Sivaji, Assistant Controller of Legal Metrology M. Venkateswara Rao and other guests recalled Shivaji’s valiant battle against the Muslims rulers and his contribution to formation of the Maratha kingdom which became Maharashtra over a period of time.
The CSMT convener said Chhatrapati Shivaji played a crucial role in the protection of India’s territorial integrity by fighting the colonial powers and some Muslim rulers who were looking to expand their empires through brute power.
The participants wanted a statue of Shivaji to be installed at a prominent place in the city as a tribute to the great ruler, and promised to extend their support to the CSMT for achieving it.
