Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Dec 9: Since the BJP government assumed power at the centre, atrocities against our community have been ongoing, alleged Sundar master, state coordinator of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti Ambedkarite Organization. He accused the Narendra Modi-led government of selling public institutions to private entities, promoting capitalist policies, and enabling continued oppression of Dalits under BJP rule across the country.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (R) Ambedkarite District Committee's Navachetana Samavesha and the swearing-in ceremony of the new office-bearers of the Kundapur taluk committee, held at Ambedkar Bhavan in Kundapur on Monday, December 9.
“The BJP government is attempting to dismantle the constitution. It is unfortunate that certain religious leaders are also advocating for constitutional changes. Statements made by Pejawar mutt seer advocating constitutional amendments aim to perpetuate social hierarchies. The BJP government is trying to implement a 'Manu Constitution.' To face such challenges, our movement must grow stronger,” he said.
He emphasized that secular values must be preserved in the country through organizational strength. “It is urgent to uphold and propagate the ideals of Dr B R Ambedkar,” he added.
Kundapur assistant commissioner Maheshchandra, after garlanding Ambedkar's portrait, said, “The mention of Ambedkar brings law to mind. It is due to Dalit movements that Ambedkarism remains alive. All demands of the community at the taluk administrative level will be addressed to the best of our ability,” he assured.
On this occasion, the taluk committee submitted a memorandum to the assistant commissioner, urging the issuance of land rights certificates to the economically and socially backward Dalit community.
Congress leader Dinesh Hegde Molahalli remarked, “The entire country operates on the vision enshrined in the Constitution drafted by Ambedkar. His contributions brought the marginalized into the mainstream, empowering them to claim their rights. Post-independence, Dalit movements have successfully kept Ambedkar's thoughts alive,” he said.
During the event, K C Raju Bettinamane was sworn in as the taluk committee's chief coordinator, and Chandra Korgi took charge as the treasurer. Kusuma was appointed general secretary of the women's federation, and Sunitha Kundapur became its treasurer. Other coordinators, executive committee members, and women’s federation office-bearers also took the oath.
Shyamsundar Tekkatte, district organizational coordinator, presided over the program. District general coordinator T Manjunath Giliyaru delivered the welcome address, and district coordinator Suresh Hakladi administered the oath of office.
Other attendees included district coordinators Manjunath Nagoor, Geetha Suresh Kumar, Nayana Adish, Byndoor taluk coordinator Shivaraj Byndoor, and district committee members Ramesh Maravante, Suresh Barkur, Karunakar Kirimanjeshwar, Kumar Kota, Bhaskar Kergal, along with village branch coordinators.
The programme was compered by Shambu Guddamadi and Chaitra Yadtare, while Ravi Bannadi and others sang motivational songs during the event.