Minister Jarkiholi Advocates for Caste-Free India, Citing Ambedkar and Basavanna's Ideals
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi has made a compelling call for a caste-free India, drawing inspiration from the visionary leaders Dr. BR Ambedkar and Basavanna. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of a two-day national conference titled "Reason, Rationality, and Republic: Dr BR Ambedkar," Jarkiholi stressed that the ideologies and moral principles of these great figures must permeate every household to ensure the overall welfare and progress of society.
Conference Highlights Social Welfare and Anti-Discrimination Efforts
The event was organized by the Dr BR Ambedkar Study Chair at Rani Channamma University in Belagavi, in collaboration with the Dr BR Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Centre of the social welfare department. Jarkiholi addressed the gathering, noting that society is currently navigating a challenging phase. He emphasized the critical need to reintroduce the ideas of leaders who dedicated their lives to social welfare and fought tirelessly against discrimination.
"The message that 'we are all one' should be instilled in children from the primary and secondary school levels," Jarkiholi asserted, highlighting the importance of early education in fostering unity and equality.
Scholars and Thinkers Echo Calls for Societal Transformation
Thinker and Kannada scholar Rajappa Dalawai reinforced this sentiment, urging society to move beyond the rigid boundaries of caste. "Development should not be measured only through infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, and reservoirs. True progress lies in expanding people's consciousness," Dalawai stated. He added that freedom of expression remains secure only as long as the Constitution is protected, underscoring the foundational role of legal frameworks in safeguarding rights.
J Somashekhar of the Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Centre at the University of Mysore emphasized the necessity of building a knowledge-based society in the present era. This focus on education and awareness aligns with the broader theme of the conference, which aimed to promote rational thinking and republic values.
Dignitaries Gather to Support the Cause
The ceremony saw the presence of several notable figures, including Vice-Chancellor CM Tyagaraj, Belagavi North MLA Asif (Raju) Sait, NWKRTC Vice-Chairman Sunil Hanumanthar, Registrar (Evaluation) DN Patil, Finance Officer MA Sapna, Director of the Ambedkar Study Chair Ashok D'Souza, and Registrar Santosh Kamagouda. Their attendance underscored the collective commitment to advancing the ideals discussed at the conference.
In summary, the event served as a platform to reignite the vision of a caste-free India, championed by Ambedkar and Basavanna. Through education, constitutional protection, and societal awareness, participants called for a transformative shift towards equality and unity, aiming to create a more inclusive and progressive nation.
