In a significant move to honor the legacy of social reformer Kudmul Ranga Rao, Dakshina Kannada district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has announced that necessary steps will be taken to develop the surroundings of the memorial site at Babugudde in Attavar, Mangaluru. The minister made this commitment during his visit to the memorial on Saturday, where he paid his respects and acknowledged the enduring impact of Rao's work.
Honoring a Legacy of Social Reform
During his visit, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao praised Kudmul Ranga Rao as "an indomitable spirit of the state", highlighting the reformer's relentless efforts for the education and social upliftment of Dalit communities. He emphasized that Rao had "worked day and night tirelessly for the education and social upliftment of the Dalits, regardless of opposition", underscoring the historical significance of his contributions to social justice in Karnataka.
Addressing Development Challenges
The development of the memorial site has faced obstacles, primarily due to disputes with the forest department. Minister Rao revealed that funds had already been released for the project, but progress was stalled as a result of these conflicts. To overcome this, he assured that discussions with the forest department would be held soon to take necessary action and expedite the development process.
This announcement comes in response to requests from various Dalit organisations, who met the minister during his visit and submitted a formal appeal for the memorial's development. Their involvement highlights the community's ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of Kudmul Ranga Rao.
Key Attendees and Support
The event was attended by several notable figures, including MLC Ivan D'Souza, Mescom chairman Harish Kumar, and Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board chairperson Shalet Pinto, among others. Their presence underscores the broad-based support for the memorial's development and the recognition of Kudmul Ranga Rao's pivotal role in social reform.
As discussions with the forest department move forward, the focus remains on ensuring that the memorial site at Babugudde in Attavar is developed appropriately, serving as a tribute to a reformer whose work continues to inspire efforts for Dalit empowerment and education in the region.
