Ambedkar Jayanti Observed in Hyderabad; Call to Follow His Ideals, Not Just Praise
A commemorative programme was held on Tuesday at the Media Centre, Downtown Mall in Lakdikapool, to mark the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar.
Hyderabad: A commemorative programme was held on Tuesday at the Media Centre, Downtown Mall in Lakdikapool, to mark the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar.
The event was presided over by BC Samaj president Sangem Surya Rao. Dr. J. Purnachandra Rao, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police and National Coordinator of the All India Bahujan Samaj Party, attended as the chief guest and paid floral tributes to Ambedkar.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rao emphasised that merely praising Ambedkar was not sufficient and urged people to follow his ideals in practice. He stated that the problems faced by oppressed communities cannot be resolved by aligning with political parties that continue to marginalise them.
He noted that Ambedkar had consciously chosen to remain independent of major political parties, as their structures were not conducive to achieving social justice. He added that Bahujan communities have historically suffered by supporting forces that opposed Ambedkar’s vision.
Recalling historical developments, Dr. Rao said that based on caste census data from 1921 and 1931, Ambedkar secured legislative reservations for Scheduled Castes during the British era, which were later incorporated into the Constitution. He criticised the discontinuation of caste enumeration for Backward Classes after Independence, stating that it has hindered equitable representation.
He also expressed concern over the lack of Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and the continued underrepresentation of Backward Classes and Muslims in legislatures. Highlighting the issue further, he said several marginalised communities, including Erukala, Yanadi, Chenchu, Nakkala, Relli, and various nomadic and artisan groups, have not been able to secure representation in State Assemblies.
Reiterating Ambedkar’s belief that political power is essential for achieving social justice, he called upon Bahujan communities to unite and assert their rights.
Several dignitaries and community leaders, including Yakub, Suryanarayana (Retd. DRO), Narayana (Retd. ACP), Chandrasekhar (Retd. Grameena Bank Manager), Ramanarsaiah, Achuth, and Kavitha, were present at the event, along with representatives from BC, SC, ST, and Muslim communities.
