Tulu Paterga Tulu Oripaga’s 7th anniversary ‘Gauji Gammat’ in Dubai

Shivaji is a great icon in Maharashtra. Different sections of society have given him very high status, though for diverse reasons. Folklores about him abound in the state. His statues, popular songs on him are very prevalent. These folk songs (Powadas) praise his multifarious actions. So it was no surprise that when Jayabhagwan Goyal, released his book, ‘Aaj ka Shivaji: Narendra Modi’, at religious-cultural meet organized by Delhi BJP, there was a strong resentment in Maharashtra. Various leaders from Maharashtra were furious. The Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut challenged the Shivaji’s descendent, Sambhaji Raje who is in BJP and is member of Rajya Sabha, to resign on the issue. Sambhaji Raje in turn stated that "We respect Narendra Modi, who was elected as the prime minister of the country for the second time. But neither (Narendra) Modi nor anybody else in the world can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,"

Not to be left behind Jitendra Awhad of NCP felt Modi-BJP are insulting the pride of Maharashtra. It is not the first time that controversy is erupting around the Maharashtra warrior of medieval period. Earlier we had seen Sambhaji Brigrade demanding the ban on James Laine book, Shivaji: ‘A Hindu King in an Islamic Kingdom’, for its objectionable content. Bhandarkar Institute in Pune, which had helped James Laine in his research, was also vandalized. At another level there was a talk that Babasaheb Purandare, a Brahmin, who has written some popular material on Shivaji will be made as the Chairman of the committee for statue of Shivaji. Maratha Mahasangh and Shiv Dharm officials objected to a Brahmin heading the committee for a statue for the Maratha warrior. The caste angel in Shivaji’s case is coming to the fore from quite some time.

While there is no dearth of controversies around Shivaji, it is also true that each political tendency has created Shivaji’s image from their political point of view. Who was the real Shivaji, is the question. One can see two clear streams of projection in this matter. On one hand there is an attempt to present Shivaji as the anti Muslim King, a king who was respecting Cows and Brahmins (Go Brahman pratipalak). This view was brought forward from the times of Lokmanya Tilak and picked up by Hindu nationalists, who have been looking for icons in history to suit their political agenda. Nathram Godse, while criticizing Gandhi says that Gandhi’s nationalism was dwarf in front of the one of Shivaji or Rana Pratap.

In tune with this the Hindu nationalists are promoting both these as icons of Hindu nationalism and giving anti-Muslim slant to the whole discourse. This discourse also hides in this the Brahmanical agenda of Hindu nationalism as Cows and Brahmins are presented as the central object of veneration by Shivaji. This image of Shivaji fits well into the current agenda of Hindu nationalists, being spearheaded by RSS Combine.

It is because of this that for seeking votes in Mumbai Narendra Modi on the eve of 2014 elections stated that Shivaji attacked Surat to plunder the treasury of Aurangzeb. This also presents Shivaji-Aurangzeb, Shivaji-Afzal Khan interactions as battle between Hindus and Muslims. The truth is that Surat was plundered for its wealth as it was a rich port city and Bal Samant’s book on the topic gives in depth description of the same. It is noteworthy that Shivaji began his real career of conquest in 1656 when he conquered Javli from the Maratha Chief Chandra Rao More. He took over the treasures of this kingdom. That it was not a Hindu Muslim battle becomes clear when we know that in confrontation with Aurangzeb it was Mirza Raja Jaisingh who was negotiating and engaging with Shivaji on behalf of Aurangzeb. And Shivaji had Muslim officers like Kazi Haider as confidential secretary and many Muslim Generals in his army.

Darya Sarang was chief of armor division, Daulat Khan was in-charge of his naval division; Ibrahim Khan was another general of significance in his army.  This mixed up administration just shows that the kings were not having Hindu or Muslim administration depending on their religion. In the confrontation between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, Rustam-e-Jaman was Shivaji’s side and Afzal Khan had Krisnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni on his side.

As far as Shivaji’s popularity is concerned it was due to his being a King with welfare of his subjects in his mind. He lightened the burden of taxation on the average peasants, and reduced the domination of landlords over the serfs. This picture of Shivaji is well documents in the booklets by Com. Govind Pansare (Who was Shivaji) and Jayant Gadkari (Shivaji: Ek Lok Kalyankari Raja- Shivaji: King doing People’s Welfare). He did not belong to the warrior caste so Brahmins had refused to coronate him, for which purpose Gaga Bhatt a Brahmin from Kashi was brought in with heavy fees. Teesta Setalvad’s hand book on History for teachers underlined this fact.

Today while BJP-Brahmanical forces want to present Shivaji as worshipper of Brahmins and cows, the non upper caste have seen through the game. As such it was Jotirao Phule who brought forward the caste angel of Shivaji as he wrote Powada (Poem) in his honor and today dalit Bahujan are not toeing Hindu Nationalist projection on the issue.

The likes of Jayabhagwan Goyal of BJP as such are trying to give two messages through such attempts. One hand they want to paint Shivaji in anti Muslim and Brahmanical color, they also want to give the subtle message of similarity of this presentation of Shivaji with what Modi is doing. Non BJP forces have seen this game and want to present the other picture of Shivaji, which was highlighted by the likes of Jotirao Phule and which today many of those standing for rights of dalit-Bahujan are trying to articulate. The criticism of the said, book, since withdrawn is on these twin aspects. One about the picture of Shivaji who was concerned about welfare of the farmers, and two his respect for people of all religions.

MOGAVEERS ASSOCIATION Affiliated KUWAIT, to Indian embassy Kuwait, the community welfare association of non-resident Mogaveeras, based in Kuwait Fo the fourth time MAK organised, National level Volleybal & Throw Ball Tournament under the title of “MAK Champion Trophy 2020 “on 25th February 2020. The tournament was held at American Internation Schoo Maidan Hawally,Kuwait.

The tournament coincided with the National day of Kuwait celebration The weather was pleasant, the participants & the MAK members were all geared up for the tournament. 

The day long tournament commenced at 7.30 am with a parade of all the participating Teams the MAK Managemen Committee Volunteers & th guests. The grand opening was led by talented committee member Mr.Suresh Salian.On behalf of MAK Management Committee Mrs Poonam Mendon & Mr.Nishanth Salian, the host for the day welcomed the gathering. This was followed by Kuwait & Indian National Anthem.

The chief Guests of the day were Mr.Anant Kapadia who is the chairman o Indian Bussiness & professionl Counil Kuwait & Mr.P.K Venkat De Chief operating Office of Art of livingTheother guest for the day was Mr.Suresh Shyam Raowho is a Freelance Press reporter fo web new portals & print media. The guests were presented with a flore Bouquet Mr.Ramesh Kidiyoor Convenor & Founder President of MAK was honou for his excellent service & contribution towards MAK Mrs Monika Cornelio Co-ordinator of Kuwait Konkan (Throw Ball)& Mr Noel Cutniha Manage of Boubyan Stikers(Volle Ba were honoured for their excellent contribution towards sports in Kuwait & also for their outstanding support for MAK.

Mr.Chennara MK Senior member of MAK was honoured with a momemto bouquet for his excellent service & contribution towards MAK ,as he was leaving Kuwait for good.

Mr.Rajesh Mendon, President of MAK in his speech welcomed the gathering and stressed the importance of playing with true sportsman spirit and thanked all the teams for their support as this event is done for MAK welfare projects. The guests in their speech encouraged the players & conveyed their best wishes and good luck to the participating teams and organizers.

The president of MAK Mr.Rajesh Mendon ,Convenor Mr.Ramesh Kidiyoor along with the chief guest inaugurated the Volley Ball & Throw Ball tournament by cutting the ribbon .The Medals & trophies of the tournament were unveiled by sports Secretary Mr.Arun Mendon and PRO & Welfare officer Mr.Jaya Kotian.

Mrs Geetha Suvarna Committee member of MAK Along with Mrs Monika Cornelio inaugurated the Throw ball Court & Mr.Sachidananda Suvarna Vice president of MAK along with Guests ianugrated the Volley ball Court by servicing the ball.

The other guests for the day Mr.Wilson Dsouza-Expresident Tulukoota, Mr.Tharendra Shettigar Expresident Tulukoota, Mr.Vijay Wilson Gen Secretary Tulukoota, Mr.Roshan Quadras Sports Secretary Tulukoota ,Mr.Lional Mascarenhas Welfare Officer Tulukoota , Mr.Manoj Bangera-Advisor Billava Sangha, Mrs Sushma Manoj Vice President of Billava Sangha, Mr.Lawrence Pinto,Mr.Ganesh Hegde, Mr.Vakas Khan & Mr.Sudakar Shetty Convenor of Tulukoota. All of them were honoured with a bouquet.

The participating Volley Ball Teams were as below

Bayan Salmiya, Boubyan Strikers, Riggae Volley, Kunjal Friends,Salmiya Spikers, KSAC, MKV stikers

The participating Throw Ball Teams were as below

Canara Eleven, Dragon Sorpions Queens,Warriors, Kuwait Konkans A,Alfa, Kuwait Konkans B & Scorpions

The volleyball inaugural first round match started between Bayan Salmiya & Salmiya Spikers & the first round of throw ball inaugural match was between Canara Eleven & Warriors. The teams played with full enthusiasm and viewers enjoyed and experienced the spectacular show. As the day progressed matches kept rolling one after another.

The Event Sponsors were TVS Travels & Cargo Co. WLL
Gold Sponsor were Oriental Restaurant Kuwait,Silver Sponsor Badar Al Samah Medical center 

Bestwishes from Vision Direct logistics, Mr.Wilson D'Souza & family & Mrs Monika Cornelia 

Printing of Raffle was sponsored By Turmeric Restaurant

The referees for Volley Ball were Mr.Alexander Mathew & Mr.Sajan Samuel

The referees for Throw Ball were Mr.Ivan Dsouza & Mr.Arun Mendon.

The scorers for Throw Ball Team were Mrs.Geetha Suvarna, Mr.Rakshith Suvarna & Mr.Ganesh Hegde

The scorers for Volley ball team were Mr.Kishore Kotian, Mr.Nithin Suvarna & Mr.Santhosh Kunder

The announcements was done by Mr.Girish Mehta & Mr.Kishore Kotian

Sumptuous Breakfast, Lunch & snacks was provided by Bollywood Restaurant

Beautiful moments of the day was captured by the Mr.Rajesh Devadiga

Design of Brochure & Banner by Mr.Sachidanada Suvarna.

Wonderful Back ground Music By DJ Mr.Ronald D'Souza Mulky

Sound System was provided by Anand Sounds

Winners

The Volley Ball ended with a finale of Final matches between MKV Strikers & Team Boubyan Strikers After a tough Battle between the two strong teams, Team Boubyan Strikers bagged the Winners Trophy & Team MKV Strikers were declared the First Runner up.The second runners up trophy was won by Reggai Volley. MAK Player of the tournament for Volley Ball was secured by Mr.Rahul of Team Boubyan Strikers.

On the other hand, throw ball tournament ended with League matches. Team Dragon Scorpion Queens defeated the opponents and became the winners for the Fourth Consecutive year. 1st Runners up was won by Kuwait Konkans A and Team Alfa stood up as the 2nd Runners. MAK Player of the tournament for throw ball was secured by Ms. Hancil Pinto of Team Dragon Scorpion Queens. 

Prize distribution ceremony

Mr.Firoz Manager of TVS Cargo & Travels Co,Mr.Sathischandra Shetty Owner of Oriental restaurant, Mr.Chandrahas Shetty- PRO & Expresident Tulukoota Graced the prize distribution ceremony As a token of respect they were presented with a floret Bouquet

President Mr.Rajesh Mendon, Convenor Mr. Ramesh Kidiyoor along with the guest awarded the trophies and medals to winners, whereas the MAK members gave away the trophies & medals to runners up team & the individual achievers. 

A Raffle Draw was conducted by MAK & the winners are as below

1st Prize : Mr.Muruganathan
2nd Prize : Mrs.Lancy Fernandes
3rd Prize : Mr.Ganesh Kotian 

The 10 consolation prize winners were Yadav Reggai, Athaulla, Imtiyaz, Irin Dsouza, Arif, Prakash Poojary, Pranavi Laksh, Ajith Kumar & Sudesh

In her vote of Thanks Mrs.Poonam Mendon thanked each and everyone who were responsible for the success of the tournament, Participants,sponsor's, organisers, MAK Vounteers, MAK management Committee & Executive Committee. Finally a special thanks was given to the Management & Staff of American International School Maidan Hawally for the awesome venue. 

Mangaluru, May 4: Bunder Shramika Sangha (BSS) general secretary B K Imthiyaz on Monday urged the district administration to restart Bengre ferry and passenger boat services as it has affected the wholesale market in Old Port.

A majority of the labourers engaged in loading and unloading at the wholesale market in Old Bunder hail from Bengre area. Without the ferry service, the labourers cannot come to work, said Imthiyaz.

He said no positive cases had been reported from Bengre area. Thus, the district administration should give permission for operating ferry services between 7 am and 12 noon.