Pics: Jeevan D’Costa
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 9: Author Guruprasad Bhatt's book ‘Chhatrapati - Na Kandante Shivaji’ was released by Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna at Lions Bhawan in Brahmagiri on Saturday December 9.
Speaking after releasing the new book, MLA Yashpal Suvarna said, "Shivaji Maharaj is famous as Hindu Hriday Samrat. If our country remains Hindustan today, it is because of the contribution of heroes like Shivaji. We should always remember Shivaji. Such books should be a beacon for our next generation. In our Bengre area of Mangalore, we have already installed a statue of Shivaji Maharaja and are working to introduce his ideals to the next generation. We have also decided to install a statue of Shivaji at Malpe in Udupi where Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde himself will come and lay the foundation stone for it. I had earlier announced that Brahmagiri circle will be renamed as Veera Sarvakar circle and we will do this soon. Today's youth have no idea about the good of the country except mobile phones, but let the youth of the country get guidance through such books. I am going to try my best as a legislator to make this book available in all school libraries so that children can read it.”
Social media influencer Kiran K S, who participated as the chief guest, said, "It was Keladi Chennamma from Karnataka who protected Shivaji's son from the enemy. Not only that when we say Shivaji we are talking only about Maharashtra but Shivaji Maharaj had connections with many places in South India. We Indians question everything, similarly in this book the author poses many questions to us. The sword given by Shivaji to Goddess Kali is still worshiped in one of the temples in Chennai. The famous Sambar devies its roots from Sambaji Ka Aahar. There is also a mention of Shivaji among the people of Vietnam, where a king mentioned that he should engrave on his tomb that he was a disciple of Shivaji.”
Guruprasad Bhatt, the author of the book, spoke in detail about the book and the work that went into writing it.
Author and thinker Satyesh Bellur, who presided over the programme, said, “Guruprasad Bhatt is really the right person to write this book about Shivaji. Guruprasad had great affection for Shivaji. In this book, more importance is given to Shivaji's life span and Shivaji's deeds than his birth and death. Guruprasad has written extensively about Shivaji's life in this book.”
Students of Prabodhinii Vidyakendra Kalasa, staged various singing and other events at the programme, shedding light on the life of Shivaji Maharaj.
Madvesh of Vividlipi Publications, secretary of Prabodhini Vidyakendra Raghavendra Bhat, and Vivekananda Bhat K were present. Srikar compered the programme.