Recalling his days at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune from where he passed out as an officer, Army Chief Gen J J Singh on Tuesday said the fighting spirit of Maratha warrior King Shivaji has  always been a source of inspiration for armymen.

Addressing the platinum jubilee function of the All India Shivaji Memorial Society which also runs a military school here, Singh called upon the boys to imbibe the indomitable courage of Shivaji and contribute their mite to make India a superpower in near future.

Singh, who will retire on October 1, fondly remembered his association with Pune, saying his marriage, too, had taken place in the city, known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra.

He said after passing out from NDA he had joined the Maratha regiment and became conversant with the Maharashtra's history, culture and heritage.

The folk ballad or `Powada' of Maharashtra always served our men as an inspirational song , he said, adding Maratha soldiers are very tough.

Singh also mentioned the Maharashtrian delicacy of 'srikhand' as a culinary delight for which he always craved. He was presented with a replica of Shivaji on the occasion.