Bengaluru: Home Minister of Karnataka Dr G Parameshwara paid tribute to Basaveshwara statue and Ambedkar house in London on Sunday.
The event was organized by The Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organization based in UK that has erected the statue of Basaveshwara on the bank of river Thames.
Former Mayor of London borough of Lambeth Dr Neeraj Patil & President of Kannada organization Ramesh Babu welcomed the Minister on behalf of British Indian community.
Members of Kannada diaspora organizations, Kannadigaru UK, Sandalwood UK, Kannada Balaga joined the Home Minister on this important occasion and paid tribute to Basaveshwara statue and Ambedkar House in London where he had lived while acquiring higher education in London during 1921-1922.
The Ambedekar house is located in the London borough of Camden and the address of this historic place is 10, King Henry’s Road, London NW3 3RP.
The Home Minister distributed Kannada passing certificates to second-generation children of UK for completing the “Learn Kannada” language initiative initiated by Kannada Development Authority, Government of Karnataka.
“Basaveshwara & Dr B .R Ambedkar both fought for eradication of caste discrimination and social justice in the Indian society and unfortunately India still remains divided along caste and religious lines and this must end,” said Dr Patil.
Dr Parameshwar expressed tribute to Basaveshwara & Ambedkar for their contribution towards democracy and social justice in India. “I am extremely delighted to see the statue of an Indian philosopher in the backdrop of British Parliament overlooking the river Thames in the historic city of London and a Museum of Ambedkar in the heart of London. This makes every Indian proud,” Dr Parameshwar said.
Basaveshwara statue in London is the first conceptual statue to be approved by British Government in the vicinity of British Parliament. This was done as a mark of respect to 12th century Indian Philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara for promoting democratic ideals, social justice and gender equality during the 12th century.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Basaveshwara statue and Ambedkar House on November 14, 2015 in London.
