Thomas (Special correspondent)
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an icon of Indian pride, unity and integrity, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.
Speaking to media persons after inaugurating Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanthi celebrations organised by the Karnataka Maratha Association, he said,brave warrior Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj protected the country by waging a war against the Mughal empire.
Shivaji is a brave and proud warrior of India. It is Shivaji’s valour that enabled the Hindu empire to remain strong in india.
Every Indian venerates Shivaji as he treated all sections of the society equally.We are celebrating Shivaji Jayanthi with this pride.”
In the coming days initiatives would be taken up to spread Shivaji’s ideals and instill patriotic spirit among the people.
Maratha Development Corporation had been established and it had been decided to appoint Manik Rao Mule as its Chairman, Bommai said.
Seer of Gosai Mutt Manjunath Bharathi Swamiji, Higher Education minister CN Ashwathnarayan and others were present. 
