A Grand Procession marked Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti celebration, jointly organised by the District Administration, Kannada and Culture Department and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayantotsava Samiti here this morning.

Mayor M.J. Ravi Kumar flagged off the procession at Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the North Gate of the Palace in the presence of Deputy Mayor Rathna Lakshman, Jayantotsava Samiti President and former MLA  Maruti Rao Pawar and a host of other leaders.

The procession, in which a huge portrait of Shivaji Maharaj was carried on a Sarot, passed through K.R. Circle and D. Devaraj Urs Road before reaching Kalamandira on Hunsur Road, where the stage programme was held.

Mayor assures Shivaji statue: Mayor M.J. Ravi Kumar, who spoke after inaugurating the stage programme, said that he will take measures for the installation of Shivaji Statue at a prominent junction in the city after consulting all the Corporators and passing a resolution in the Council.

Highlighting Shivaji’s courage and heroics, Ravi Kumar said Shivaji, the 17th Century ruler, established a competent and progressive civil rule with the help of well structured administrative organisations.

Pointing out that Shivaji revived ancient Hindu political traditions, the Mayor said Shivaji respected all religions and had great respect for other contemporary saints.

Calling upon the Maratha community members to educate their children, Ravi Kumar extorted the community members to make full use of all the benefits and facilities extended to them by the MCC.

Floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion.

Kannada and Culture Assistant Director H. Channappa, AC Anand, Corporators M. Sunil, Anantharaj and H.S. Prakash, Tahsildar Ramesh Babu, the Jayantotsava Samiti President K. Nagendra Rao Avatade and others were present.