Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, the Gyan Prabodhini Mandal in Delem hosted the Late Manju Desai Lecture Series, honouring the legendary leader’s impact on his people and the nation. The event, held at the Shri Mallikarjuna and Chetan Manju Desai College, was marked by a keynote address by Dr. Pramada Desai, a retired professor from the college.
Dr Desai emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj created a kingdom that was akin to the mythical Ram Rajya, where the common people felt deeply connected and protected. “Maharaj instilled nationalism in the people and was revered as a god by the common man,” she stated. Highlighting his exceptional qualities, Dr Desai noted that Shivaji Maharaj’s discipline and restraint were key factors in his success as a ruler.
The event also included the felicitation of five dignitaries from various fields. Sanjay Komarpant received the Late Sahakar Maharshi K Jayasinghrao Abasaheb Rane Sardesai Memorial Samaj Gaurav Award, while National Teacher Awardee Chandralekha Patel Mestri was honoured with the Late Dr. Pundalik Gaitonde Memorial Social Pride Award. Dhillan alias Yeshwant Naik Desai was conferred the Dr. Jiblo Mortu Naik Gaonkar Memorial Samaj Gaurav Award, Bernard Fernandes received the Late Alfred Alphonso Samaj Gaurav Puraskar, and Gopalkrishna Mhalshi was awarded the Late Ashalata Wabgaonkar Memorial Samaj Gaurav Award.
Chairman Chetan Desai of the Gyan Prabodhini Mandal congratulated Rajendra Desai, who was recently elected as the president of Shri Mallikarjuna Devasthan/Temple, Shristhal, by presenting him with a bouquet. Chetan Desai praised the awardees, saying, “Those who do good works for society embody the virtues of Shivaji Maharaj, and their good qualities eventually enlighten others.”
The program began with Chetan Desai offering a garland to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the college premises, followed by the lighting of the lamp and the hoisting of the saffron flag. College students Sumit Pagi and Shreena Sail were awarded prizes in a costume competition held during the event. The welcome song was presented by the college students, and Principal Dr. Sucheta Naik gave the welcome and introduction. The program was moderated by Divya Chandrekar and Ankita Dhuri, with Santoshi Angardikar proposing the vote of thanks.
