Mangaluru: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) commemorated the 135th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar with reverence and enthusiasm at the MRPL Employees’ Recreation Centre (MERC), celebrating the architect of the Indian Constitution and his enduring legacy of equality, social justice, and inclusive development.
The programme was presided over by Shri Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath, Managing Director, MRPL. Dr. Vaddagere Nagarajaiah, eminent researcher, ethnographer, writer, and social activist, attended as the Chief Guest, while Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai, Director (Refinery), MRPL, and Dr. B. S. Hemalatha, Deputy Director, Social Welfare Department, Dakshina Kannada, were the Guests of Honour.
Meritorious students and social workers felicitated
The programme began with the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions, followed by the welcome address by Shri Surya Narayana, General Manager – Administration. The dignitaries later offered floral tributes to the portrait of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar after the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
As part of the celebrations, MRPL felicitated 20 meritorious students—comprising 10 SSLC and 10 PUC students—who had secured more than 90 per cent marks in their examinations. Eminent social workers were also honoured in recognition of their outstanding contributions to community welfare and social upliftment.
Speakers highlight Dr Ambedkar’s enduring legacy
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s remarkable contributions to social justice, education, constitutional governance, and ethical leadership.
Dr. B. S. Hemalatha spoke on Dr. Ambedkar’s pioneering role in advancing women’s rights and empowerment, emphasising his efforts to ensure equality and dignity for all sections of society.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Vaddagere Nagarajaiah underlined the continued relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals of equality, liberty, fraternity, and social justice. He also highlighted the visionary leader’s contributions to labour reforms, water resource development, economic thought, and women’s welfare, while appreciating MRPL’s role in strengthening India’s energy security.
MRPL reaffirms commitment to inclusive growth
In his presidential address, Shri Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath reaffirmed MRPL’s commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and progressive workplace inspired by the ideals and values championed by Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Dharanendra R. A., General Secretary, MSSEWA.
The celebrations concluded with a theatrical performance titled “EEDI” by M/s Sumanasa, Kodavoor, Udupi, which received widespread appreciation from the audience. The programme was compered by Shri Naveen Shankar Naik.
