Mysuru: Tributes paid to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his 119th birth anniversary

Tributes were paid to former Deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram on the occasion of his 119th birth anniversary, in Mysuru on Sunday (April 5).

G.T. Deve Gowda, former Minister and Chamundeshwari MLA, who offered floral tributes to Jagjivan Ram’s statue at the circle in front of Mysuru City Railway station, recalled the late leader’s contribution to the country, particularly to the Green Revolution and modernisation of Indian agriculture as Union Agriculture Minister.

A procession was also taken out from the circle to Kalamandira, where a stage programme was organised by the Mysuru district administration.

D. Thimmaiah, MLC, who inaugurated the Babu Jagjivan Ram Jayanti celebrations at Kalamandira, recalled the late leader’s struggles against injustices which existed even in his time, such as honour killings following inter-caste marriages and social exclusion of Dalits in villages.

By addressing farmers’ hardships and ensuring food security, Jagjivan Ram emerged as a pioneer of the Green Revolution.

Mr. Thimmaiah said Jagjivan Ram was also instrumental in establishing post offices in villages across the country to improve connectivity among the people. As the Railway Minister, Jagjivan Ram also provided employment to a large number of people, he said.

The labour laws introduced by the late leader to protect the workers from exploitation are still in force, he said, adding that Jagjivan Ram participated in national movements even before Indian Independence and stood by Mahatma Gandhi.

K. Harish Gowda, Chamaraja MLA, who presided over the function, said Jagjivan Ram played a crucial role in enabling the oppressed and Dalit communities to live with equality and freedom in society.

He recalled that Jagjivan Ram implemented several schemes for the upliftment of oppressed and Dalit communities and emphasised that greater importance should be given to education. Only if all communities pursue education and contribute meaningfully to the nation can the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Jagjivan Ram be realised, he said.

C.N. Manje Gowda, MLC, said that the purpose of celebrating birth anniversaries is to adopt the ideals left behind by great personalities, follow their values, and emulate their characters. He pushed for greater public participation in such celebrations.

Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer S. Yukesh Kumar, Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, and Mysuru district Police Superintendent Mallikarjun Baladandi were also present on the occasion.