Jagjivan Ram was a true provider of food security, says MLA

Describing Babu Jagjivan Ram as a “true provider of food security” to the nation, Kalaburagi South MLA Allamaprabhu Patil on Sunday said that the country was able to overcome severe food scarcity due to the Green Revolution ushered in under his leadership.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 119th birth anniversary celebrations of the former Deputy Prime Minister at Indira Memorial Hall in the city.

The programme was jointly organised by the district administration, the Zilla Panchayat, the Social Welfare Department, the Kalaburagi City Corporation and the Department of Kannada and Culture.

Mr. Patil said that India, which once struggled with hunger, has now reached a stage of exporting foodgrains due to the transformative reforms introduced by Jagjivan Ram as Union Agriculture Minister. “He is the real annadata of the country,” he said.

Highlighting his contributions to social justice, the MLA noted that after B.R. Ambedkar, Jagjivan Ram was among the strongest voices in Parliament for the rights of oppressed communities.

“Remembering the achievements of such great leaders is our duty. Their ideals must be practised in daily life and not confined to speeches,” he added.

District president of the Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Chandrika Parameshwar stressed that education is the key to making social progress.

She urged parents to prioritise education of their children noting that only education can ensure dignity and empowerment in society. She also called for unity among people to achieve collective progress.

She said that welfare schemes such as Anna Bhagya, Gruha Lakshmi, Yuva Nidhi and Gruha Jyothi have significantly supported economically weaker sections, particularly women, by enhancing their financial independence.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhanwar Singh Meena said that Jagjivan Ram played a pivotal role in making India self-reliant in food production.

As a member of the Constituent Assembly and a long-serving parliamentarian, his contributions to social justice and governance remain significant, he said and added that his discipline and patriotism should inspire the younger generation.

At a special lecture, Rani Channamma Residential School principal Rajashekhar Mangal said that the teachings of great leaders like the Buddha, Basavanna, Ambedkar and Jagjivan Ram should be practised in everyday life.

He noted that Jagjivan Ram’s rise from poverty and social discrimination through education serves as a powerful example for the youth.

Earlier, Medical Education Minister Sharanaprakash Patil paid floral tributes to Jagjivan Ram near Town Hall.

MLC Jagadev Guttedar, Police Commissioner Sharanappa S.D., Superintendent of Police Addur Srinivasulu, Kalaburagi City Corporation Commissioner Avinash Shinde, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rayappa Hunasagi, Assistant Commissioner Sahitya Aladakatti, Social Welfare Joint Director Preeti Doddamani, Industries Joint Director Samad Patel and several other officials and community leaders were present.