Cuncolim: Yuvraj Sambhaji Raje Bhosle of Kolhapur Sansthan, a descendant of Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, has called for the inclusion of the 1583 Cuncolim Revolt in history books. Stating that it was the government’s responsibility to teach correct history to children, he urged the Goa Government and Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar to officially recognise the first revolt of India, which was fought by Marathas from Cuncolim.
Raje was speaking at the platinum jubilee celebrations of Akhil Gomantak Kshatriya Maratha Samaj (AGKMS) at Fatorpa on Monday.
He further stated that the Maratha community is powerful and brave, and it should help other communities. He stated, “It’s the duty of every Maratha to play the role of elder brother. Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of the Maratha dynasty and included the lower class community in his Swaraj.”
Raje appealed to the Maratha community not to surrender its legacy of bravery and to the youth to grab opportunities in businesses and industries. He also expressed a need for all Marathas from Goa and Maharashtra to unite for the welfare of AGKMS.
In his address, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said it is a good sign that the Maratha community had understood the importance of education. He stated, “This is not a time for swords and war. Now every Maratha must study and reach the topmost positions. We must follow the ideals of Shahu Maharaj, who took every caste for the progress of Swarajya. We must follow the same path of including every caste. There is no need for reservations as we are capable of shining everywhere with our strength, and not under any special category.”
Opposition leader Pratapsingh Rane said that in this day and age, everybody is trying to use the caste card for politics and many people are depending on reservations. He continued, “Our forefathers did not achieve laurels on reservations. They created history without it. My community will show the same will and determination, and I have faith in them.”
Marathas Dr Jiblo Gaonkar and Gopi Naik were later felicitated by Raje and conferred with a Maratha Bhushan Degree. Seven AGKMS founding members were also felicitated posthumously. Around 5,000 Marathas were present for the event.
