Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 17: Deputy commissioner R Vishal unveiled seven-feet high new bronze statue of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar as part of his 125th birth anniversary, in front of the zilla panchayat, Rajatadri Manipal on Saturday, April 16.

After unveiling the statue, DC R Vishal said, “Ambedkar’s finger points towards his future vision for India. We need to improve our administrative system. Many plans have been proposed and announced but what matters most is its effective implementation.”

“Whatever demand we make, it should be judicious and give justice to the community. I will work towards the upliftment of dalit community,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, a senior dalit community leader, Sundar master said, “The community people are with the unveiling of statue of Dr Ambedkar. It is a dream come true for them.”

Manjunath Giliyar urged DC to name at least five roads after Ambedkar and to re- distribute five acres of DC manna land to dalit families.

The total cost of this statue is Rs 9, 70,000 which was designed by Pramodini V Deshpande Company.

Priyanka Mary Francis, CEO, zilla panchayat, Chennabasappa, additional deputy commissioner, H S Premanath, social welfare officer, Uday Kumar Tallur and dalit committee members were present.