Mangaluru: “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar belonged to all sections of the society. He tried to bring about equality and harmony among all. This thought is also reflected in the Constitution he drafted. It’s implementation is necessary in the present situation,” said Governor and Chancellor of Mangalore University Thawar Chand Gehlot.
He was speaking after inaugurating the bronze statue of the architect of the Constitution Dr. B. R. Ambedkar near the Department of Science built by Dr. B. R. Ambedakar Centre on the occasion of Ambedkar’s 66th Mahaparinirvan Diwas on Tuesday December 6.
Speaking at Mangala Auditorium he said that, “An educated Ambedkar ignored his happy life and tried to correct the shortcomings of the society. The work of recognising and honouring his contributions is now underway. With the efforts of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and many others, a memorial has been built in Maho, the birthplace of Dr Ambedkar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi established The Ambedkar International Centre with the aim of getting to know Ambedkar. Ambedkar’s janmabhoomi, shiksha bhoomi, karma bhoomi, deeksha bhoomi, parinirvan bhoomi and chaitya bhoomi give a comprehensive introduction to Ambedkar, he added.
Congratulating the Mangalore University for installing a statue of Dr. Ambedkar, the Governor wished that his good deeds should be understood and imbibed by taking inspiration from the statue. He also assured that he would extend necessary support if a proposal was submitted to the Central Government to set up an Ambedkar Study Chair in the University.
Mahatma Gandhi University of Horticulture and Forestry, Durg, Chhattisgarh Vice-Chancellor and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, Mahe’s Founding Vice-Chancellor Prof. R. S. Kureel explained the great phases and achievements of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life.
Describing the Constitution as Ambedkar’s solution to the problems of the society, he said the ‘Bharat Ratna’ should be given to Narayana Guru, who worked for social justice like Ambedkar. He also demanded that a separate university should be set up for social justice and upliftment of the poor.
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. P Subrahmanya Yadapadithaya, in his welcome address, said that the best tribute we can pay Ambedkar is to maintain social equality.
About the statue
The bronze statue, which is about 9 feet tall, weighs more than 600 kgs. Built at a cost of Rs. 14.30 lakh, the statue has been installed near a garden in front of the science complex at the university campus.
