Rational, scientific temper key to social progress: Minister

Minister for Social Welfare and Mysuru district in-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa said that people across the country should be prepared and enlightened by ideas rooted in rationality and scientific temper.

He was speaking after inaugurating the two-day national seminar titled ‘Bahuroopi Babasaheb – March Towards Equality’, organised as part of the Bahuroopi Babasaheb National Theatre Festival at Rangayana here on January 17.

The Minister said the social movements led by Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Shahu Maharaj were grounded in truth-seeking, organisation, and sustained struggle.

Dr. Mahadevappa further said that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar established the Bahishkrita Hitakaarini Sabha in Mumbai on July 20, 1924, with the objective of eradicating untouchability and promoting the social, educational, and economic upliftment of the oppressed. Despite 79 years of Independence, incidents of social boycott and honour killings are continuing, he said, stressing the need for a law to curb such practices.

K. Shivakumar, MLC, said efforts must be made to strengthen democracy in the country. He emphasised on the need for a deliberation towards the complete eradication of the caste system, stating that only then would peace and harmony prevail in society. He pointed out that this year’s Bahuroopi festival conveys a strong message and said intellectuals and students have the responsibility to safeguard democracy.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor N.K. Lokanath said people should understand how Ambedkar, through education, transformed himself. Education can transform lives, and Ambedkar stands as the finest example of what can be achieved through education, he said.

Rangayana director Satish Tiptur said Ambedkar’s ideas have inspired millions of poets, writers, artists, filmmakers, actors, thinkers, and scholars. He observed that the Constitution framed by Ambedkar has acted as a healing balm for the wounds inflicted by oppressive social practices.

Inaugurating the seminar, senior journalist Siddharth Varadarajan said such seminars are essential to understand how Ambedkar’s works and approaches to the problems of his time can help address questions that have acquired renewed urgency not only in India but across the world. He spoke on the violation of international laws by powerful nations, citing instances such as the illegal invasion of countries like Venezuela and the kidnapping of its president.