Kudmul Ranga Rao’s 157th Birth Anniversary Observed
Mangaluru: The district administration in association with Zilla Panchayat, MCC and the Social Welfare Department observed the 157th Birth Anniversary of Kudmul Ranga Rao at the DC’s office here, on June 29.
The programme began with an invocation. MUDA Chairman Ibrahim Kodijal inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries. Mayor Harinath garlanded the portrait of Kudmul Ranga Rao and showered flower petals.
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Harinath said that Kudmul Ranga Rao was very much concerned about the poor and the marginalized. He was a social reformer and he worked for the welfare of the backward class by providing them education and other basic facilities. He empowered them by giving lands to build houses and also guarded them against exploitation. “He is a great personality who has created history by empowering Dalits. At present, we have named only one road after him but we need to give his name to future major projects so that his name will be etched in history,” he added.
Ibrahim Kodijal said that Kudmul Ranga Rao was a social reformer and a pioneer in the movement of depressed classes. Kudmul Rao saw to it that Dalits received education and provided them with employment. He also guarded Dalits from being exploited by the upper class. Kodijal further said that nowadays, intolerance is seen everywhere and is dangerous to the country. “India has unity in diversity, and all the leaders of this country should work with unity for the development of the country. We should all live in unity and harmony. Every religion teaches peace and harmony. God is only one with different names.”
Retired Motor Vehicle Inspector Mugalavalli Keshava Dharani briefed on the life of Kudmul Ranga Rao and his love for the marginalised sections of society. Keshava said that being an advocate, Ranga Rao was popularly known as a “Poor Man’s Lawyer”. “Ranga Rao also started 20 schools in Mangaluru, Puttur and Udupi for Dalits to pursue their education and started midday meals. He even bathed Dalit kids and used to have food with them. For this reason, his own community threatened him of serious consequences but he never stopped. He also introduced inter-caste marriage by marrying off his daughter. Even Mahatma Gandhi’s son was inspired by Kudmul Ranga Rao and he too married a girl from another caste. Mahatma Gandhi had once said, “I discerned social loyalty from Mr Rangarao. He is an inspiration and a guide for me. He is my teacher when it comes to the upliftment of the untouchables”.”
ADC Kumar, Joint director of Social Welfare Department Dr G Santosh Kumar and others were also present.
