Shivaji's statue comes up along LoC in J&K's Kupwara

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, was on Tuesday joined by chief minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde and the state’s cultural minister Sudhir Mungantiwar in unveiling the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district of the Kashmir Valley.

The ten and a half feet tall equestrian statue which stands on a seven by three square feet from the  ground has been installed at a base of the 41 Rashtriya Rifles (Maratha LI) along the de facto border. It was sent to Kupwara all the way from Mumbai, the journey which had started amid the beating of drums and chants of Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji at the Raj Bhawan in the port city on October 20. After covering a distance of about 2,200 kilometres, the statue reached Kupwara last week.

“Great Shivaji's statue will be a source of inspiration for people and the Army's Bravehearts,” Mr. Sinha said while speaking on the occasion. He added, “Shivaji was a born leader, who scripted a new history of India through his mesmerizing victory against the enemy.”

Endorsing him, Mr. Shinde said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an inspiration for every Indian. Maharashtra has a great tradition of sacrifice and bravery. It is indeed commendable that this statue is being erected at Kupwara in the same year as the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji”. Mr. Mungantiwar said, “The unveiling of Shivaji’s statue is the proudest moment of my life”.

Mr. Sinha congratulated the 'Amhi Punekar' and 41 Rashtriya Rifles for the “historic initiative”. While paying homage to Shivaji Maharaj, he said, “He was also the fountainhead of high standards of morality, right conduct and respect of all religions and sects. Youth must follow his ideas and ideals and selflessly serve the poor and weaker sections of society and contribute to nation-building.” He added, “By unleashing his military genius and moral force, Shivaji mobilized millions of Indians and achieved sovereignty for the Maratha empire. His universal and eternal values continue to be relevant today and guide us on the path of social equality and peaceful co-existence.” He called for celebrating the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj festival in Kupwara on the 7th of November every year.