Mysuru: We can tolerate poverty, but not untouchability said former minister and senior Dalit leader V Srinivas Prasad.
Speaking on the occasion of the 60th year of Damma Deeksha Smarane of Dr BR Ambedkar, he presented a lecture on ‘Bouddha Samskrutiya Ananyate’ at Dr B R Ambedkar Research Centre, Manasagangotri on Saturday. He said, “We all should think and bring the social values of Ambedkar into action. His social beliefs have to be followed and we should think what our contributions to the society are. Even during the 21st century, we have been confronting social evils such as inequality and exploitation of Dalits”.
He also mentioned that 39 per cent of children are suffering from starvation along with acute problem of poverty. “We can tolerate poverty, but not untouchability. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism which was his last message to all. He did so because it ensures maximum religious freedom and thus we all need to think about it,” he said.
Renowned Dalit poet Siddalingaiah’s verses were sung on the occasion which moved Srinivas Prasad to tears.
S Narendra Kumar, coordinator, Dr Ambedkar Research Centre and others were present.
