Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Apr 14: The 135th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar was observed with emphasis on equality, education and social responsibility at Ambedkar Bhavan in B C Road, jointly organised by the taluk panchayat, town municipality and the Department of Social Welfare.
The programme was inaugurated by Bantwal tahsildar Manjunath G, who lit the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, he said Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations must encourage greater participation of students to make the event more meaningful and impactful.
“We must ask ourselves what kind of society we are building for our children. Ambedkar’s dream was an equal society, and its foundation lies in children. Protecting children’s rights means safeguarding their future,” he said, adding that only then can Ambedkar’s vision be truly realised.
BUDA president Baby Kundar said the ideals, thoughts and principles of Dr Ambedkar should be effectively communicated to the younger generation, stressing that the programme should not be reduced to a mere formality but should serve a larger social purpose.
Resource person Prof Girish Bhat Ajekal described Dr Ambedkar as the leader who gave constitutional legitimacy to the values of freedom and equality. “We must all remain indebted to the architect of the Constitution,” he said.
Taluk Panchayat executive officer Sachin Kumar, advocate Ramesh Upadhyaya, Sesappa Bedrakadu and Mohan Chendtimar were present on the occasion.
Students who secured high academic performance were felicitated, along with three community contributors—Baby Mairan Pade, Satish Arala and Sesappa Bedrakadu—for their service towards social welfare and development.
Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department Vinayakumari welcomed the gathering, while Keshava Daipala proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Keerthi Vagga.
Earlier, a procession carrying a portrait of Dr Ambedkar was taken out from Brahmashree Narayana Guru Circle in B C Road to Ambedkar Bhavan, drawing participation from students and local residents.