Ambedkar fought for the rights of women and their independence – Pramod Madhwaraj
Udupi: Ambedkar fought for the rights of women and their independence. Only when the ideologies of Dr Ambedkar are followed in our day-to-day life, it will be a perfect tribute to him said Pramod Madhwaraj district minister In-charge and also state youth, sport and fisheries minister.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 126th Birth Anniversary of DR B R Ambedkar at Adi Udupi organised by the district administration.
Ambedkar was the voice of the voiceless. “He struggled and suffered for the upliftment of the deprived classes. Even though he was a victim of harassment and discrimination, he drafted the Constitution for the welfare of the people — irrespective of caste or community. Today, if Dalits have joined the mainstream of the society, it is only because of Ambedkar. Ambedkar’s effort and determination made him a successful person.
Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar differed on some issues. Ambedkar was of the view that political freedom does not result in economic freedom and development of communities. He believed that people’s freedom was essential than the national freedom.
Political freedom has benefitted only the economically well-off sections of the society. Therefore, stress should be on developing the concept of social freedom. There is a difference between ‘democracy’ and ‘social democracy’, he said.
Social reforms and related movements can succeed only if attempts are made to create an environment of social equality, he added.
To mark the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, the minister also inaugurated the state level NSS leaders study meet at the Town Hall organised by the youth and sports department. Ambedkar did not want the upliftment of only the Dalits but he strived for the welfare and growth of all people irrespective of caste and creed, he added.
Udupi ZP president Dinakar Babu in his message said that Dr Ambedkar tried to wipe the tears from the eyes of every downtrodden person in the country. It was due to the fight that was taken up by Dr Ambedkar that the Dalits now, were getting all the benefits and facilities. He called upon the students to set their own paths and their future. “Educate, agitate, and organise, then you will come up in life,” he said.
Sheela K Shetty vice president ZP, Babu Shetty, president standing committee. Priyanka Mary Francis DC, Anuradha Additional DC, K T Balakrishna SP Udupi, Meenakshi Madhava Bannaje president CMC and others were present.