Labour Minister Santosh Lad paying floral tributes to Ambedkar on his 134th birth anniversary in Dharwad on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Labour Minister and Dharwad in-charge Santosh Lad has said that though attempts are being made to confine B.R. Ambedkar to a particular caste or community, none can deny that he was a great intellectual and leader who transcended the boundaries of caste and religion.
He was speaking at the 134th birth anniversary celebrations organised by the district administration in Dharwad on Monday.
“Babasaheb Ambedkar was a great leader and visionary. His thoughts and contributions, particularly the drafting of the Constitution, are among the greatest gifts to the nation. As long as the Sun and the moon exist, the name of Ambedkar will remain eternal,” he said.
Mr. Lad said that the Constitution that Dr. Ambedkar gave to the nation has enabled the country to progress peacefully and effectively. He provided every citizen with equality, freedom of expression and a life of dignity, the Minister said.
He said that India has been blessed with two great humanitarians like the 12th century Basavanna and Bharat Ratna B.R. Ambedkar.
“Their principles and messages are the guiding light for society. The more these divine flames shine, the more India will illuminate and rise in the world,” he said.
Stating that developed countries like the United States and others are focussed on science and research, he pointed out that developing nations like India are still dealing with issues of caste, religion and internal divisions.
Babasaheb Ambedkar aimed at eliminating inequalities and fostering equality, fraternity, harmony and unity and framed the Constitution accordingly, he said.
The Minister said that Babasaheb Ambedkar also championed women’s rights and freedom, providing them with equality and opportunities for progress as he believed that the nation’s development depended on women’s progress.
Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. said that Ambedkar did not just reform society but reconstructed it so as to make it strong and inclusive.
“Through his three-fold mantra of education, organisation and struggle, he awakened the masses. Today’s youth must read his writings and also, the books on him,” she said.
Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said that it was because of the Constitution that India still stands as a strong nation. “Every Indian should read the Constitution regarded as one of the world’s finest and most respected ones,” he said.
Superintendent of Police Gopal Byakod, HDUDA Chairman Shakeer Sanadi, Joint Director of the Social Welfare Department P. Shubha and others were present.
On the occasion, achievers from various fields and meritorious students were felicitated.
In both Hubballi and Dharwad, several programmes were organised to mark the 134th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Along with various government departments and agencies, various organisations, schools and colleges organised programmes to mark the occasion.
Political leaders, office-bearers of various organisations, individuals lined up in front of Ambedkar statues in the twin cities to pay floral tributes.
Published – April 14, 2025 07:05 pm IST
