Students told to pursue education with Constitution as guiding force

A grand procession and cultural programmes marked the 906th birth anniversary celebrations of 12th century social reformer Sri Nijasharana Ambigara Chowdaiah in the city on Wednesday.

Director of the Institute of Kannada Studies and the Nijasharana Ambigara Chowdaiah Study Chair in Gulbarga University H.T. Pote called upon students to cultivate self-respect like 12th century social reformer Nijasharana Ambigara Chowdaiah and pursue education with the Constitution as their guiding force.

Dr. Pote was delivering a special lecture at the birth anniversary celebrations organised by the district administration, the Department of Kannada and Culture, the Kalaburagi City Corporation, the Zilla Panchayat and the Koli community.

Ambigara Chowdaiah, a prominent Sharana of the 12th century, stood out as a revolutionary voice who challenged social hierarchies and upheld dignity of labour and human equality.

His life and Vachanas emphasised self-respect, social justice and resistance to discrimination, values that remain relevant even today, Dr. Pote said.

Dr. Pote stressed that education is the most powerful tool for social transformation and empowerment.

“Only through education can marginalised communities gain awareness of their rights and secure social and economic justice. Ambigara Chowdaiah’s vision must be understood in the context of today’s democratic values, where the Constitution guarantees equality, liberty and dignity,” he added.

MLC Thippannappa Kamakanoor urged the State government to establish a Ambigara Chowdaiah Development Corporation with an allocation of ₹300 crore.

He also demanded adequate funding for the Matha Manikeshwari Development Authority and called for inclusion of the Koli community in the Scheduled Tribes category.

MLA Allamaprabhu Patil, KKRTC Chairman Arunkumar Patil, Kalaburagi Urban Development Authority (KUDA) Chairman Mazhar Alam Khan and Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum were present.