Belgaum: The 115th birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar was celebrated with enthusiasm and fanfare in the city and other parts of the district on Friday.

A procession of tableaux depicting the life of the "Father of the Indian Constitution" was taken out through the main thoroughfares of the city. The procession was inaugurated in presence of veteran Dalit leader and former Union Minister B. Shankaranand, Suresh C. Angadi, MP, Ramesh L. Kudachi, MLA, and senior officials.

Floral tributes were paid to the statue of Dr. Ambedkar before the inauguration of the procession. Besides women and the elderly, youths and children joined the celebration, enthusiastically dancing to drum beats and music all through the route of procession culminating into a public function at the Ambedkar Garden in the evening.

Addressing the public meeting, Mr. Angadi expressed concern over the plight of Dalits, stating that they were still not part of the mainstream of society. He appealed to the "creamy layer" and those families who have been beneficiaries of various government schemes, to make sacrifices for the uplift of other needy Dalit families. "All those who have availed themselves of the benefits under Government schemes should allow other needy Dalits to draw the benefits so that the latter can also grow. This will be the real tribute to Dr. Ambedkar who fought against inequalities," he said. The public function was presided over by Mr. Kudachi. Deputy Commissioner Shalini Rajneesh, District Social Welfare Officer Shivaji, Belgaum City Corporation Commissioner Channappa Gowda were present. On the occasion, certificates/cheques in respect of financial assistance to meritorious students, unemployed youth were distributed. Kamalabai Kamble and Murali Chavhan were felicitated as "best pourakarmikas."

Ambedkar Bhavan

The foundation stone for Ambedkar Bhavan in the city was laid on the occasion. The Government had sanctioned Rs. 3.07 crore for the project coming up in Sadashivnagar. The Karnataka Land Army Corporation has been entrusted to take up the construction.

Mr. Angadi said the Government had released Rs. 1 crore for the project and the Belgaum City Corporation would contribute Rs. 50 lakh. He appealed to all the 23 legislators, including five members of Legislative ouncil representing the district, to contribute at least Rs. 5 lakh each towards the project. The next birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. Ambedkar should take place at the Bhavan, he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail