Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said the time has come to reclaim the idea of social justice through thought and vision of one of the founding fathers of our Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Speaking at the inaugural function of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Conference here, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Dr. Ambedkar’s life and time revolved around the massive struggles waged by the depressed classes and the under privileged sections. “There is little doubt in my mind that many of the complex issues that the nation faces today require solutions within the ambit of Ambedkar’s thoughts,’’ the chief minister said.
Stating the idea of India as a plural society is at the cross roads, he said values that Indian civilization and culture held in high esteem are facing a critical test in view of the onslaught of divisive and exclusivist ideas.
“The earliest and most successful assault on caste and hierarchies was made in this land by Basavnna who during the 12th century heralded a powerful anti-caste movement drawing energy from the social under-privileged classes,’’ he said.
He admitted that his own ideas and vision were shaped by diverse sources of inspiration ranging from socialist, Lohiaite ideas to Ambedkarite Dalit movements.
“I understood early in my life that Ambedkar’s vision of equality, freedom and brotherhood can only be realized when Dalits, backward classes and the minorities come together,’’ he said.
He said that during the last four years, all government policies and programmes were designed to ensure economic freedom to the people particularly those who are marginalised, stigmatised and disadvantaged. “We in Karnataka also believe strongly in Prof. Amartya Sen’s categorisation of Development as Freedom,’’ he said.
Speaking on the occasion, world renowned social reformer Martin Luther King-III said that he has to thank Got to be back in this country. “I am honoured to be here. There are many similarities between India and US. The alternative right in US and the Hindu right in India are similar,’’ he said.
Nobel laureate and human rights activist Kailash Satyarthi has said for the first time Indian Presidential election candidates were Dalits.
