Remembering Maratha warrior Shivaji
The 394th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be celebrated on February 19 to remember his courage, warfare tactics and administrative skills. Shivaji’s mother Jijabai, and mentor Dadaji Kondadeva, played crucial roles in shaping his character. They taught him values like bravery and fairness from a young age. As Shivaji grew up, he showed great military skills and clever strategies. He fought against the Mughal and Adil Shahi rulers who oppressed his people. His courage and leadership made him a hero among the people. The idea of celebrating his birth anniversary came about to honour his memory and recognise his impact on history. Over time, it became a national celebration, reminding everyone of the importance of bravery and resilience. The commemoration of his birth anniversary was initiated by Mahatma Jyotirao Govindrao Phule in 1870. The first Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was celebrated in Pune, marking the beginning of this tradition. Subsequently, Bal Gangadhar Tilak (popularly known as Lokmanya Tilak) played a pivotal role in advancing this observance. Tilak, by emphasising Shivaji’s contributions and virtues, significantly influenced public perception and elevated his image in the eyes of the people. It’s not just about remembering a historical figure but also about celebrating the values he stood for – bravery, honesty, and fighting for what is right. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was considered the people’s king. His iron determination, valour, and dominance were the epitomes to follow. His courage knew no bounds. He was a Maratha warrior and founding ruler of the Maratha empire in western India. In India and even in other countries, he is still considered the greatest warrior of his time. An innovative military tactician and a skilful administrator, he is considered a valorous warrior. The great qualities he possessed as a leader and king helped him build the Maratha Empire into a powerful and massive power.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
On road repair liability
It is common knowledge that the roads built in Goa including the national highways deteriorate in quick time as it develops potholes, especially during the monsoon season. For too long the condition of Goa’s roads has been a subject of criticism with recurring potholes and lack of safety measures leading to accidents and, at times, even loss of lives. As per the estimates, the annual maintenance contract costs the state exchequer approximately Rs 6 crore. During the defect liability period, the contractor who has constructed the roads has to carry out repairs if any defects occur. It is learnt that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is considering doubling the defect-liability period under engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) contracts to 10 years. This proposed measure aims to reduce the government’s expenditure on road maintenance. It is also expected to prompt contractors to improve the quality of construction, thereby reducing road accidents. While the contractor is responsible for maintenance during the defect-liability period, under the EPC mode, the maintenance of highways is the responsibility of the central government after the defect-liability period is over. It is learnt that the ministry has earmarked Rs 2,600 crore for road maintenance in 2024-25. The extension of the defect-liability period will encourage contractors to build roads with longer timeframes in mind. Maintenance of national highways by the Centre is reportedly financed from the Central Road Infrastructure Fund and the works are executed on an agency basis by state public works departments. Given the extent of damage the roads in the state suffer, it would be in the fitness of things to extend the defect-liability period in the state as well.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Dual standards
A central government agency has recommended President’s rule in Bengal because of the incidents in Sandeshkali which the state CM has claimed that action has been taken and a number of people arrested. In contrast in Manipur there is public unrest with police armouries being looted by miscreants and people getting killed day in and day out. And these incidents of serious law and order have been going on for months now with the state CM watching them as a spectator and doing nothing about them. Here the Centre or any of its agencies do not think it right to call for President’s rule. This is a clear case of being partial to BJP ruled/aligned states which get off with extreme cases of crimes against people particularly women and a general collapse of public law and order. Have President’s rule imposed on Manipur before you raise the issue of Bengal.
S Kamat, Mysore
A neglected group
While MS Swaminathan was awarded the Bharat Ratna, his recommendations had ironically been stayed put into cold storage. The Swaminathan commission had recommended that the minimum support price should be at least 50 per cent more than the comprehensive cost. This is one of the main demands of the protesting farmers. His daughter, economist Madhura Swaminathan highlighted the irony of honouring MS Swaminathan while ignoring his suggestions and treating our farmers like enemies when she said, “These are farmers, they are not criminals. You have to find some solutions. They are our annadatas. If you have to honour MS Swaminathan, we have to take the farmers with us with whatever strategy that we are planning for their future.” Apart from MSP, another important recommendation of the Swaminathan Commission was land reforms. Land reforms made China such a strong country in spite of its huge population. The recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission regarding land reforms and MSP should be implemented. It will heal the agrarian crisis that made many farmers take their own lives. The 2022 National Crime Records Bureau annual report says 154 farmers and daily-wage labourers die by suicide in India every day.
Sujit De, Kolkata
A renowned actress
In the demise of renowned TV actress Kavita Chaudhary of ‘Udaan’ serial fame, the entertainment world has lost an excellent artiste, who with her histrionics carved a niche of her own in the Indian TV world. The actress is best known for her portrayal of IPS officer Kalyani Singh in the iconic television series ‘Udaan’ telecast by Doordarshan during 1989-91. The serial which portrayed the true story of a girl who face all odds in life and became a police officer, was in fact inspired by the life of Kavita’s sister Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya, the second IPS officer after Kiran Bedi. Kavita was the writer and director of the show. The serial became one of the most iconic television shows in the history of Indian Television world. Kavita and her Udaan was celebrated as a symbol of women empowerment and many girls, inspired by the serial, confidently came forward to join the police force. Kavita also produced television shows such as ‘Your Honour’ and ‘IPS Diaries’. Kavita was also famous for a detergent commercial where she played the role of housewife Lalita Ji, a housemaker who makes wise decisions, in an advertisement making her establish herself as a household name at that time. Kavita will live eternally in the hearts of Indian TV viewers and shall remain as one of the greatest of TV icons of our country. Rest in peace, Kavithaji.
M Pradyu, Kannur