Siddaramaiah emphasises importance of education to live with self-respect

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised on the importance of education to lead life with self-respect.

Speaking after inaugurating the State-level Kumbara Mahasammelan organised by Mysuru district Kumbara Association in Mysuru on January 5, he said, “Without education, it is impossible to live as human beings or with self-respect. If society is to be transformed, people must become educated.”

Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Kumbara or potters’ community is among the most backward communities in the State and is also numerically small.

The Kumbara community, known for its dignity of labour, has exceptional expertise in creating clay artefacts. “It is a matter of pride that the poet Sarvajna, who spread the light of knowledge, belonged to this community,” he said.

The four-fold caste system has existed for long, and economically backward Shudra communities, who constitute nearly 80% of the population, were deprived of literacy and cultural learning, he said.

Recognising the importance of education, Babasaheb Ambedkar made education a fundamental right. “Without education, we cannot become true human beings, nor can we live with self-respect,” he said.

Calling upon everyone to become educated, the Chief Minister said that for political freedom to be meaningful, social and economic freedom must reach everyone. “Knowledge does not belong to any single group. Vested interests propagated the idea that education should be confined to one section alone. If change is to be achieved, education is essential. There should be doctors, engineers, and professors emerging from among you as well,” he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah pointed out that Ratnappa Bharamappa Kumbara, who was a member of the Constituent Assembly, was an eminent leader of the Kumbara community. “It is only because I obtained legal education that I stand before you today as Chief Minister,” he said.

He added that philosopher Sree Narayana Guru proclaimed the principle of “one religion, one caste”. “At a time when temple entry was denied due to untouchability, he urged people to build their own temples,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the Government is committed to the development of the Kumbara community. Steps will be taken positively to meet the demands of the community, including allocation of adequate funds for the Kumbara Development Corporation, he noted.

Minister for Public Works Satish Jarkiholi, Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa, who is also the in-charge Minister of Mysuru district, and Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture K. Venkatesh also participated in the programme.