MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, speaking after presiding over the 134th birth anniversary celebration of the architect of the Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which was held at Gandhi Bhavan Madikeri by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and Social Welfare Department, said that everyone should imbibe the ideals of the hard-working Baba Saheb. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who worked hard to eliminate inequality in the country and bring equality in society through the Constitution.
Speaking further Dr. Mantar Gowda said that those who studied abroad, including in America and London, rarely return to the country, but Dr. B.R. Ambedkar studied abroad and came back to the country like a god and worked day and night for change and reform in the society by drafting the Constitution. Babasaheb Ambedkar laid great emphasis on education. He had said that only education can bring change in the country, and everyone should act according to Ambedkar’s wishes, the MLA said.
Speaking on the occasion, Kodagu Deputy commissioner Dr. Venkat Raja said that November 7 is celebrated as Students’ Day in Maharashtra, the day Babasaheb Ambedkar joined school. Ambedkar, who realized that only education can solve all problems.
DC further informed that every house where Babasaheb lived, had 90 percent books, and he always was busy in studies and in the thrust of knowledge.
Babasaheb Ambedkar has continuously fought for equality. A statue of Babasaheb has been built in Maryland, America, as a symbol of equality. The DC also informed that a study and discussion centre has been established at Columbia University to conduct research and enable discussions on Ambedkar’s life.
Dr. Shivakumar, founder and director of Akka IAS Academy, said that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contribution to the country is immense. He said that the literacy rate before independence was 5.30 percent, today it is 75 percent because of the Constitution written by Ambedkar.
Before independence, not everyone had the opportunity to get an education, Ambedkar gave everyone the right to education.
He said that along with education, Ambedkar gave the opportunity to choose a job and gave freedom to choose a career after getting an education.
Dr. Shivakumar also said that Ambedkar is the father who implemented the adult voting system that gives equal voting rights to all citizens of India. He enshrined in the Constitution that every citizen of the countries equal under law. This has made every citizen respect the Constitution and submit to the rule of law.
He said that by introducing the Hindu Code Bill, he has worked hard for the liberation of women.
Ambedkar, who fought for the rights of workers, implemented many laws for the workers. He said that Ambedkar worked hard for the liberation of workers by implementing many laws such as 8-hour work, leave allowance, compensation, etc.
Dr. Shivakumar claimed that Ambedkar is the modern father of the nation by providing equal opportunities to everyone in the Constitution, he added
‘Ambedkar’s wish was that his people should rule in independent India, but those who love and worship Ambedkar should be able to self-examine whether they are following philosophy of Ambedkar.’
Our people should become legal scholars. They should become great economists. They had a dream of studying in IITs and IIMs, they should live like Ambedkar, they should become intelligent in that regard, said Dr. Shivakumar.
Dharmaja Uthappa, Chairman of the Guarantee Scheme District Implementation Committee, said that Babasaheb Ambedkar, who tried to provide equal opportunities to every citizen of India, should always be remembered. Ambedkar’s thinking, vision and concept are still exemplary today. He said that success can be achieved by adopting Ambedkar’s ideals and personality.
Students who scored high marks in SSLC and II PUC were felicitated, and subsidy checks were distributed to inter-caste marriages and those married in the Scheduled Caste sub-tribe.
Subsidy for law graduates, and the Swavalambi Sarathi scheme was launched by the Nomad Development Corporation on this occasion.
Kodagu District Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, Z.P. CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya, Additional Superintendent of Police Barike Dinesh Kumar, DSS District Coordinator Diwakar, Violence Prevention Committee members Janardhan, City Municipal Council members Anita Poovaiah, Satish, Sabita, Kalavathi, T.P. Ramesh, Prema Krishnappa, Mohan Maurya, Prem Kumar, Deepak Ponnappa, Scouts and Guides District Chief Commissioner K.T. Baby Mathew, District Presidents of Government Employees Association Arun Kumar, Palaksha, Virendra, representatives of various organizations and others were present on the occasion.
Deputy Director of Social Welfare Department Shekhar welcomed the gathering, Balakrishna Rai rendered vote of thanks.
A procession was held from the Madikeri Kaveri Kalakshetra to Gandhi Bhavan with various art groups and students. DC Venkat Raja flagged off the procession by garlanding the portrait of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Dollu Kunita and Veeragase Kunita added cheer to the procession, and a large number of Scouts and Guides students participated.
