Aurangabad, June 6:
“Shivaji Maharaj established ‘Swarajya’, taking all community members together. Coronation, which is a token of Swarajya was the dawn of new Independence,” said Dr Shrimant Kokate, noted speaker and historian.
He was speaking in an online lecture series organised by Loksamvad Foundation and the History Department of Pratisthan College (Paithan) on Sunday.
President of the Foundation, Dr Rajesh Karpe, presided over the programme. Dr Shrimant Kokate claimed that those Marathas who are ruling the State, had cheated their community members who are poor.
He said that Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of democracy through his ‘Swarajya’. “The power established by Shivaji Maharaj is called Maratha rule. This is not communal. It was used for a community that was living in Maharashtra. He (Maharaj) crushed the opposition for his coronation,” he said.
Dr Kokate said that Bapat Commission, Rane Commission and Gaikwad Commission were set up for Maratha reservation but, the presentation of Gaikwad Commission is important.
“Those Marathas who are in power cheated their community members,” he added. Dr Rajesh Karpe, college principal Dr B R Sharma, also spoke. Dr Sandeep Patil conducted the proceedings while Bandu Somvanshi proposed a vote of thanks.
Bhagwan Mogal, Keshav Lahane, Vasant Jhende, Bhausaheb Sontakke, Dr Suvarna Patil, Dr Kiran Gaikwad, Dr Shailendra Shelar and others were present.