BETUL (GOA)

“History Lovers Group” and “Betul Shivpremi Sanghatna” celebrated “Shivjayanti” on the historic Betul Fort on Feb 18. The programme began with a Bike rally consisting of more then 500 Betul villagers who started the rally from Betul Fort and covered Velim, Assolna, Bhiusa, Fatorpa and back to Betul.

The guests for the programme were Babu Kavlekar (Leader of Opposition), Vijay Sardesai (Minister for TCP, Agriculture & Archives & Archeology), Fr Albino Mendonca (Parish Priest),  Sachin Madage (Artist & Historian) and Akbar Mulla (Leader of All Goa Muslim Assn). The programme started with garlanding ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj bust by all dignitaries.

Babu Kavalekar appreciated the History Lovers Group for consistently following up with the notification and restoration of Betul fort for the last three years. He also gave assurance to the villagers that he will give out his best to get the fort restored at the earliest. Vijay Sardesai spoke on the importance of Shivaji Maharaj’s administration skills. He also emphasized on how Shivaji Maharaj ruled as a secular king taking people from all religions with him in making the Maratha empire a success. He also assured that he will act as quickly as possible on solving the issues of Betul Fort. Fr Albino Mendonca appreciated the History Lovers Group and also the Betul villagers for creating such a wonderful environment on the occasion of Shivjayanti. He also emphasized that this kind of brotherhood between Betulkars should always remain for the future. Yogesh Nagvenkar (President of History Lovers Group) said that this is a new history which the Betukars have created by showing such love for the history of Shivaji Maharaj and Betul Fort.

Sachin Madage spoke on the history of Shivaji’s relation with Goenkars. His history session was much appreciated by the Betulkars as it provided direct connect with Goans.