PM Modi pays tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji on his birth anniversary, describes him as 'ideal ruler

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji on his brith anniversary on Sunday. Describing him as an "ideal ruler" PM said that his government is working tirelessly to fulfil his ideals. "I bow to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti.India is proud that a valorous and great soul like him wasborn on our land," Modi said.

Noting that Shivaji Maharaj had placed well being of his people above everything, the Prime Minister said, "He was an ideal ruler blessed with exceptional administrative skills."

He added, "We are working tirelessly to fulfil the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj and create an India that he would be proud of." Modi pointed out that just recently, he had the honour of joining a programme for ground-breaking ritual for setting up of Shivaji Maharaj's statue off the Arabian Sea.

"I will aways cherish that day," said the Prime Minister who performed the 'bhoomipujan' on December 24. "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a torchbearer of courage, bravery and good governance. Shiv Smarak is a fitting tribute to him and his greatness," Modi had said then. The statue, proposed to be 309 feet tall, is expected to be taller than New York's Statue of Liberty and become a major tourist attraction.