From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 19: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai paid floral tribute to Chatrapathi Sri Shivaji Maharaj on his 395th birth anniversary by garlanding the statue in at Sadashivanagar in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The Karnataka Maratha Welfare Association had organised the Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebration.

Gosayi Mutt pontiff Sri Manjunath Bharathi Swamiji, Higher Education Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, former minister PGR Sindhia, ex-MLA MG Mooley, Maratha community leader Manoj Kumar and others were among the participants.

Bommai described Maratha warrior Chatrapati Shivaji as a symbol of India's self-respect.

Recalling Shivaji's heroics against the Mughal empire, Bommai described him as a brave warrior who defended the whole of India.

"Shivaji Maharaj is a symbol of India's self respect. He represents India's unity and integrity. It was because of his valour that Hinduism could survive in India. He belongs to the whole country, to all sections of society," he explained.

The chief minister said that efforts would be made to strengthen Shivaji's ideals among the people of the state.

Adamya Chetana’s book released

The Chief Minister later released a book, ‘’Kaarmodagala Naduve’’ (among the black clouds), on the incidents pertaining to Covid-19 pandemic struggle.

The book was brought out by Adamya Chetana, headed by the wife of late Union Minister HN Ananth Kumar. Adamya Chetana Chief Tejasvini Ananth Kumar, Trustee Aishwarya Ananth Kumar, CWS chief Ullas Karanth, Hosa Digantha daily Editor Vinayaka Bhat Muroor, Nitin Shah chief Sapna Book House were among the participants.