Congress MLC Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, while addressing a felicitation ceremony for SSLC and PUC toppers organized by Karnataka Nayakara Yuva Sene at Valmiki Bhavan, Vijayanagar, highlighted the urgent need for marginalized communities to prioritize education and participate actively in decision-making processes in both the executive and legislative sectors.
He reaffirmed the Siddaramaiah-led government’s commitment to upliftment of the poor and backward classes, stressing the importance of achieving representation in positions of power to bring lasting change.
MLA Anil Chikkamadu, Chairman of Jungle Lodges and Resorts, echoed this sentiment by assuring protection of Scheduled Tribes’ interests, noting that some dominant communities remain socially, economically, and academically backward. He revealed that CM Siddaramaiah has allocated ₹1.5 crore for a Valmiki statue at the new DC office in Siddhartha Nagar, and promised to push for additional ₹3 crore funding for renovating Valmiki Bhavan.
DIG Ravi D Chennannavar encouraged youth from backward sections to pursue politics and civil services, reminding them that success in exams like IAS/IPS is challenging, and suggested alternative avenues like agriculture and dairy farming for self-reliance. He urged youth to look up to Madakari Nayaka, the iconic warrior, as a symbol of inspiration and courage.
MLA K Harishgowda and JD(S) MLC CN Manjegowda were also present at the event, which celebrated both academic excellence and aspirations for social empowerment.