Shivaji Memorial to be come up at Dahisar: Naik

Mumbai, Jan 11 (UNI) A 15-feet tall horse-riding statue of the Maratha pride, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will be erected at the NLC complex at Dahisar in Mumbai North, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ram Naik said today.

''The great Maratha emperor is known in the country as a visinory warrior, who established the pro-people 'Swarajya' (self-rule).

Centuries ago, he recognised the need of naval force. We therefore thought to have his memorial in Mumbai North to inspire the future generation,'' Mr Naik, who is also president of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak Samiti, said here today during a media briefing.

The former petroleum minister said the purpose of installing such a mammoth statue of the great Martha warrior of yore was to inspire future generation and the tourists from the all across the world.

The huge statue will stand on a 20 feet pedestal and it will be the main attraction of five acre of NLC complex at Dahisar East. It will also have sculptures depicting biography of Shivaji. The installation work of the proposed statue was almost complete, Mr Naik said.

The memorial will be inaugurated by senior BJP leader and prime ministerial candidate L K Advani on March 23, he added.

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