Kolhapur Commemorates 106th Anniversary of Landmark Mangaon Parishad
In a vibrant celebration at Mangaon village in Hatkanangale tehsil, Kolhapur district, the 106th anniversary of the historic Mangaon Parishad was observed with great enthusiasm on Saturday. District collector Amol Yedage emphasized that this event, held on March 21 and 22, 1920, in the presence of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Babasaheb Ambedkar, marked the true beginning of social change by aiming to eradicate undesirable customs and traditions from society.
Foundations of Social Justice and Constitutional Principles
Collector Yedage remarked that the 15 resolutions passed at the Mangaon Parishad clearly demonstrate how the future direction of Babasaheb Ambedkar's work was shaped. He stated, "The significant steps taken by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj within his princely state for the welfare of the excluded classes were subsequently incorporated by Babasaheb into the Constitution. Through the Constitution, several fundamental principles—such as equal education, religious harmony, and social justice—received a legal foundation."
He further highlighted that Babasaheb Ambedkar's global renown, achieved by overcoming adverse circumstances to pursue higher education, remains a towering ideal for society to this day. The event was not merely a conference but marked the beginning of a revolution, where the marginalised community gained immense strength and the mantra "educate and organise" was first uttered at this very location.
Commemorative Events and Development Plans
The anniversary programme commenced with the hoisting of the Panchasheel flag and featured a holographic show based on the Mangaon Parishad. Following this, a solo play titled ‘Kranticha Sakshidar’ (witness to the revolution) was presented by Rupesh Nikalje from Beed. The event was organised jointly by:
- The assistant commissioner of social welfare (Kolhapur)
- The Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI, Pune)
- The gram panchayat
- The Buddhist Community of Mangaon
A large gathering of citizens and school students attended, alongside dignitaries including former MLA Rajeev Awale, district superintendent of police Yogesh Kumar, Appasaheb Patil's descendant Dilip Patil, zilla parishad member Rahul Awale, sub-divisional officer Deepak Shinde, and assistant commissioner of social welfare Sachin Sale.
In a significant development update, Hatkanangale MLA Ashokrao Mane informed that a development plan for Mangaon, worth approximately Rs 200 crore, is set to be approved by the state government within the next six months. This initiative aims to further the legacy of social progress initiated by the parishad.
Gratitude and Continued Legacy
Collector Yedage expressed gratitude to BARTI and the department of social justice for organising the programme, underscoring the ongoing relevance of the Mangaon Parishad's ideals in contemporary society. The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of historical movements on India's social fabric and constitutional framework.
