Bengaluru: Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s ideas and contributions to the country should reach every section of society, said Mavalli Shankar, convenor of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (Ambedkar Vada).
Speaking as the chief guest at a national seminar on Dr B.R. Ambedkar organised by Maharani Cluster University on Thursday, Shankar said Ambedkar was often viewed only through the prism of Dalits, lower castes and reservation.
“Ambedkar’s multifaceted thinking, contribution to education and role in nation-building need to be understood better,” he said.
Students urged to read Ambedkar
Shankar said Ambedkar’s journey of acquiring education, pursuing higher studies and shouldering responsibilities in various positions was an inspiration to everyone.
He urged students to read books on Ambedkar and understand his life and ideas. He said several foreign authors and researchers had also recognised Ambedkar’s scholarship and contribution to India and documented them in their works.
The Constitution was framed keeping India’s diversity in mind, with several members of the Constituent Assembly playing important roles in its drafting, Shankar said, adding that Ambedkar’s contribution to the process was particularly significant.
Focus on higher education
Dr M. Venkataswamy, national president of Samata Sainik Dal, urged students not to limit themselves to undergraduate education but to aspire for higher studies.
Students should develop the determination to pursue advanced education and, where possible, consider pursuing higher studies abroad, he said.
During the programme, the book Vidyarthi Tereda Satya, authored by university physical education department faculty member and writer Dr Satyamurthy Googi, was released.
University vice-chancellor Dr S.B. Ashok, registrar Seema B. Naik, evaluation registrar Prof Y. Ramesh, Dr A.S. Ashadevi and other university officials, faculty members, non-teaching staff and students attended the seminar.
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