Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that the Karnataka government has twice recommended to the central government the inclusion of the Ambiga community in the Scheduled Tribe list. Speaking at the inauguration of the 6th Sharana Samskruthi Festival and the 904th Jayanthotsava of Nija Sharana Ambigara Choudaiah, he assured that the necessary clarification requested by the Central Government would be promptly provided.
Siddaramaiah urged Union Minister Prahlad Joshi to take action on this matter, highlighting the community’s qualification for inclusion in the ST list. He recalled the efforts of late MLA Narayana Rao in 1996-97 to advocate for the Ambiga community’s inclusion in the ST list.
Addressing the community’s main occupation of boating and fishing, Siddaramaiah emphasized the absence of inferior or superior roles in work, advocating against discrimination. He referenced the historical significance of Ambigara Choudaiah’s fight against discrimination, leading to Basavanna naming him Nijasharana.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of economic and social empowerment for achieving an equal society. He noted the establishment of the Ambigara Choudaiya Development Corporation during his government’s tenure, emphasizing the necessity of economic power for societal integration.
Referring to the principles of Basavadi Sharanas – Kayaka (production) and Dasoha (distribution) – Siddaramaiah highlighted the need for active involvement in work and equitable sharing of production. He attributed the momentum of the caste system to the absence of economic and social activities.
Siddaramaiah expressed concern for the education of children, urging that they should not be deprived of education for any reason. He called for honoring Ambigara Choudaiah by following in his footsteps and advocated for the elimination of societal inequalities.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the existence of individuals resistant to change and pledged support for the backward society. As part of the celebration, Siddaramaiah recited a poem by national poet G.S. Sivarudrappa dedicated to Ambigara Choudaiah.
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