Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 24: The closing ceremony of Jai Bhim maha rally was held at jatka stand, near the service bus stand on Sunday April 23.

The mega rally was organized by members of Dalit Sanghatana Okkoota, Dalit and Dhamanithara Swabhimani Okkoota Samiti and other celebration committee bearers under the banner 'Protecting Indian Constitution' to mark the 126th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.

Mallige from Karnataka Jana Shakti, Bengaluru inaugurated the formal programme by garlanding the photo.

Addressing the gathered, Mallige said, "There is need for social-constructive programmes. Such programmes will boost the strength of the Horata Samiti."

"Recently the government cancelled reservation seats in medical institutions and justified its stand. Reservation is part of the socio-economic policy. It imparts social justice to the deprived classes. Now the conflict between inclusiveness v/s equality arises and this is a worrying matter," he said.

He added, "The constitution must protect the rights and human interests, which it is not. This is the biggest tragedy of our nation. People must think about why they struggle to earn minimum wages and why inequality exists in society. Reservation is only a namesake. The private sectors are gradually withdrawing reservation for Dalits. Our nation is in danger. The principles or preambles of the Constitution are changing." 

"The dream of merging equality with the standard of living and the status of a human being is not being fulfilled. The government has not formed any policy on owning unaccountable wealth. There is need to organise equality oriented activities," said Mallige.

Honourable president of the rally Fr William Martis presided over the programme.

Shiva Sundar, columnist from Bengaluru and Noor Sridhar, pro-public activist delivered a talk on current status of Indian Constitution and status of Dalits in the nation.

The huge bike rallies began from Thalluru Circle, Karkala bus stand and Hejamadi. The jatha from the three sides conluded at jatka stand, Udupi in the evening.

The leaders of the various committees namely Thalluru Uday Kumar, Sundar Master, Hussain Kodibegre, K Paniraj and others were present.