Team Goemkarponn
SADA: In a dramatic turn of events, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar on Thursday evening presided over the grand inauguration of a towering statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sada Junction, even as the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has moved the High Court of Bombay at Goa challenging development on the land.
Amid a blaze of fireworks that lit up the skyline, chants of “Har Har Mahadev”, “Jai Shivaji” and “Jai Bhavani” echoed through the air as hundreds of Shiv Premis gathered in a sea of white kurtas and saffron turbans. The atmosphere was electric, with traditional Shivaji aarti performed before the statue, conch shells blown, and drums beating in celebration of what supporters described as a historic milestone for the constituency.
Calling it a “historic unveiling” of the grand statue in the Mormugao constituency for the very first time, Amonkar said the moment marked the culmination of years of aspiration and effort by devoted followers.
“This is a proud and long-awaited milestone for all of us. I thank all Shiv Premis and fellow citizens who have joined us in celebrating this glorious occasion and becoming part of a memorable chapter in our constituency’s history as we honour the legacy and values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Amonkar said.
The ceremony was conducted at the hands of the MLA in the presence of councillor Shraddha Amonkar and other dignitaries, with a massive crowd turning up to witness the unveiling. Many in attendance described the function as one of the largest public gatherings at Sada in recent years.
Referring to the dispute with the MPA, Amonkar said he had made several correspondences with the authority over the years seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for installation of the statue on the land, which he described as unused.
“For several years, I nurtured a desire to see a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Mormugao constituency. As the saying goes, everything happens at the right time. The Shiv Premis have worked tirelessly during Shiv Jayanti celebrations year after year, and today we are witnessing this historic moment,” he said.
Amonkar added that his admiration for Shivaji Maharaj dates back to his childhood. “We learnt about Shivaji Maharaj in school, and his portraits adorned our homes. His courage and vision have inspired me since childhood. With the blessings of God and the collective strength of the Shiv Premis, we were able to coordinate and bring this statue to fruition,” he said.
The MLA claimed the plot, measuring around 100 square metres, had long remained neglected. “This land was lying unused and had turned into a dumping spot. It was an eyesore. Despite repeated letters seeking an NOC, there was no response from the MPA.
I wrote several letters to the MPA asking them for the NOC but they did not reply for the last two years . Even the Chief Minister had written to them asking for NOC to install the statue of our National Hero, yet there was no reply,” he stated.
He further said that representations were also made at the Union level, and despite the letter from the center reaching the MPA , there was no communication from the port authority.
“Finally, the Shiv Premis resolved that if permission was not forthcoming for installing the statue of our national hero on unused land, they would take the responsibility themselves. Today, they have demonstrated their resolve,” Amonkar declared.
Sending out a strong message, he said, “No matter how many complaints are filed or whether the matter reaches the High Court or elsewhere, the Shiv Premis will not back out. This statue is not for one community alone but for the people of all religions. Shivaji Maharaj united people across faiths. This monument will inspire the youth of the next generation.”
As the evening concluded with more chants and celebratory bursts of fireworks, supporters pledged to stand united. The legal battle over the land may now move to the High Court, but on the ground at Sada, Thursday belonged to pageantry, pride and powerful symbolism.
