MANGALORE: In a world afflicted by terrorism, Shivaji's life and methods continue to be relevant, MLA Yogish Bhat has said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 379th Jayantotsava of Chatrapathi Shivaji organised by the Karnataka Kshatriya Maratha Parishat here on Sunday.

Referring to the attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters in Nagpur, he said the threats faced by the nation today were similar to the situation Shivaji had to deal with. Tracing the life and times of Chatrapathi Shivaji, Mr. Bhat said he was a military commander par excellence who could read the enemy's plans.

The theory that Shivaji was opposed to Muslims was wrong, he said. Shivaji respected Muslim places of worship, and his naval and military commanders were Muslims. He epitomised the Hindu philosophy of "Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavanthu," Mr. Bhat added.

Minister for Fisheries, Horticulture, Endowment and district in-charge B. Nagaraj Shetty asked the Maratha Kshatriya community in Karnataka to unite.

Stressing the importance of education, he said giving children good education was more useful than leaving them wealth.

Ramoji Rao Sathe, chairman of the parishat, Bangalore, urged the Mangalore division of the organisation to work for the cause of the community.

He promised to provide Rs. 10 lakh to the parishat to construct a hall.

Several members of the community came forward to donate money for the construction of the hall.

Meritorious students of the community were honoured at the function. Suresh K. Rao Lad, district president of the parishat, welcomed the gathering.

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