Thoughts of Ambedkar and Basavanna should reach every household: Minister Satish Jarkiholi

Belagavi: Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi said that both BR Ambedkar and Basavanna envisioned a caste-free India and stressed that their ideologies and moral principles must reach every household for the overall welfare of society.He spoke at the valedictory ceremony of the 2-day national conference, "Reason, Rationality, and Republic: Dr BR Ambedkar", organised here on Saturday by the Dr BR Ambedkar Study Chair, Rani Channamma University, in collaboration with the Dr BR Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Centre of the social welfare department.Addressing the gathering, Jarkiholi said society is currently passing through a challenging phase, where it is important to reintroduce the ideas of great leaders who dedicated their lives to social welfare and fought against discrimination. "The message that ‘we are all one' should be instilled in children from the primary and secondary school levels," he said.Thinker and Kannada scholar Rajappa Dalawai said society must grow beyond the rigid boundaries of caste. "Development should not be measured only through infrastructure such as buildings, bridges and reservoirs. True progress lies in expanding people's consciousness," he said, adding that freedom of expression remains secure only as long as the Constitution is protected.J Somashekhar of the Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Centre at the University of Mysore emphasised the need to build a knowledge-based society in the present era.Vice-chancellor CM Tyagaraj, Belagavi North MLA Asif (Raju) Sait, NWKRTC vice-chairman Sunil Hanumanthar, registrar (evaluation) DN Patil, finance officer MA Sapna, director of the Ambedkar Study Chair Ashok D'Souza, and registrar Santosh Kamagouda were present.