Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Sep 23: State revenue minister Srinivas Prasad on Wednesday September 23 said that plans are afoot to construct Ambedkar Bhavan in Mangalore University campus.

"All possible recommendations will be provided to the government to construct an Ambedkar Bhavan on the premises of Mangalore University," Srinivas Prasad said.

He was speaking at Mangala auditorium in Mangalore University at a ceremony organized to felicitate vice-chancellor of Kuvempu University Prof Jogan Shanker.

The minister assured that all possible grants will be provided after holding discussions with the government for the construction of Ambedkar Bhavan in memory of Dr B R Ambedkar. "Even though the country is rich in natural resources and human resources, we have not been able to do away with discrimination, untouchability and illiteracy. We can bear poverty but not racism," added Prasad.

"Prof Shanker has done research on the cruel Devadasi system and tried to provide shelter to its victims and bring them to the mainstream. His work is praiseworthy. It is possible to build a welfare state by inculcating values instead of only providing reservations to the backward classes in the society," he said.

"There is needless glorification and discrimination in the name of religion and people get exploited. It is not important if people are theists or atheists. Development is possible only when we are humanists. In this direction, the opinions of authors, intellectuals, and progressive thinkers will be collected to bring about an anti-superstition law," he said.

Vice-chancellor of Mangalore University Prof Byrappa presided. Prof Kalegowda Nagavara gave the congratulatory speech. Prof Arabi U, Prof Vishwanath, and Govinda Matti were the chief guests. Mangalore University finance officer Prof P A Rego welcomed, while registrar (examinations) Prof B Narayana proposed the vote of thanks.