Mangalore: The Maratha hero Chhatrapathi Shivaji, who ruled Bangalore once under his father Shahaji, was remembered on his 385th birthday on Monday, when DK administration, Kannada and Culture department, as well as DK branch of Karnataka Xatria Maratha Parishad came together, for a formal celebration and to pay rich tributes to the gallant hero.

N. Yogish Bhat, MLA, addressing the gathering stated that from this year onwards, Government of Karnataka has decided to officially celebrate the national Hindu leader’s birthday based on historic links he had with the state in his youth.

Bhat admired his qualities as an able temporal administrator, and his humility before sages and seers. He practised religious tolerance even in his army and society.

Sivaji had handled ably the 3 areas of civil administration, defence alignments, and internal intelligence, to guard against enemies.

He was an expert in guerrilla warfare against Mogul might in Delhi, Bhat recalled. The speaker referred to India’s Agni-5 missile that Carries nuclear Warheads to a distance beyond China.

Indian defence power is stronger than ever now, he remarked.

M. Dharmapla Jadhav, main speaker of the day, said Sivaji dreamt of a ‘Hindu Samrajya’.

Local dignitaries were present on the unique occasion, in full scale.