Call to emulate Dr B R Ambedkar

Hassan/Mandya/Chamarajanagar, Apr 14, DHNS:

Colourful procession taken out in Hassan, Mandya and Ch’nagar

Rich tributes were paid to the architect of Indian Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar on his 120th birth anniversary in Hassan, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts. In Hassan, Housing and District In-Charge Minister V Somanna opined that the thinking and preachings of Dr Ambedkar should be adopted by everybody. The life of backard classes was still in the cross roads today and they have failed to give them strength. The State and Union governments and dalit organisations have to continue struggle to keep the preachings of Dr Ambedkar alive. The backward classes have to utilise the facilities given by the government and emerge economically strong. He directed the district administration to print one lakh copies of books on the life of Dr Ambedkar within one month. The existing statue of Dr Ambedkar would be replaced with the bronze statue and installed in front of the deputy commissioner’s office if the dalits and backward classes give permission. The existing statue was very small and the new statue would be installed within one month. Sakleshpur MLA H K Kumaraswamy stressed on giving important positions for backward classes. He called upon the community people to utilise the facilities and come up in life. The life and struggle of Ambedkar should be the source of inspiration for them. Member of Legislative Council Patel Shivram, MLA H S Prakash, DC Naveenraj Singh, Superintendent of Police Amit Singh and City Municipal Council President C R Shankar were present. In Chamarajanagar,  Bodhiratna Bantheji of Kollegal Chetavana bemoaned that many are hesitant to follow the path of Dr B R Ambedkar. Even those who have been benefitted from the reservation too were turning away from the architect of the Constitutional, he added. He was speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations of Dr B R Ambedkar organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, district social welfare department and city municipal council at Chamarajanagar. He said Ambedkar was shocked at the caste systems prevalent within the Hindu religion. Even though other religions urged to join their community, he embraced Buddhism that ensures equality to all. Warning persons, who get drunk and participate in the ‘Maarihabba’, he said that if the situation continues untouchability would never end. Modern dalits might escape, but those who are still weak and availing reservation should think about it as they might have to take the broom again. He said that in a list of top 100 knowledgeable people prepared by Oxford University, Ambedkar has been ranked fourth. However, people feel shy to raise the slogan ‘Jai Bheem’ these days, he added. MP R Dhruvanarayan, ZP President K Rajeshwari and others were present. Invites wrath Excise and District In-Charge Minister M P Renukacharya invited wrath of the audience when he spoke in length the achievements of the State Government than on the life of Dr Ambedkar. During his speech, Renukacharya spoke about the special grants kept aside for tribes, special unit scheme and the achievements of the State Government. Angered at him, the people protested saying the programme was held to commemorate the life of Dr Ambedkar and not the BJP government. While Renukacharya tried to pacify the crowd by saying that he was announcing schemes for the scheduled castes, public were reluctant to listen.  Finally, he told officials to utilise the funds reserved for scheduled castes optimally and abruptly ended his speech. In Mandya, MLA Ashwanthnarayan said the State government has released Rs five crore towards construction of Dr Ambedkar Bhavan in the city. At a function organised by the district adminsitration here, he said administrative approval has been given for the same of which ` 50 lakh would be released for the first phase works. He said Ambedkar struggled for the empowerment of dalits. His biggest contribution has been the Constitution which was a model for the whole world. Deputy Commissioner Dr P C Jaffer regretted exploitation of dalits even after six seven decades of the country’s independence. Member of Legislative Assembly M Srinivas presided. ZP President Shivanna, Superintendent of Police Koushalendrakumar, CMC chief Arunkumar,  Additional Deputy Commissioner Puttamadaiah and others were present.