Progressive struggles in post-independent India were inspired by the ideas of Dr B R Ambedkar, opined renowned writer Professor Kamala Hampana.
Speaking after releasing 17 books published by Dr B R Ambedkar Study Chair, at Kuvempu University, in Shankaraghatta near here recently, she said that struggles launched by dalits, women,  and peasants owe a lot to Dr B R Ambedkar.
Rational thinking of Dr B R Ambedkar served as a guiding spirit for the emancipation movements in India. Being a man of letters, Ambedkar believed that education was a means of emancipating the dalits. Universities should re-define their roles and try to create awareness among the mass about social problems. They should promote publication of works and ensure that books are available to the mass at affordable prices, she suggested.
Addressing the gathering, scholar Dr Hampa Nagarajaiah said that the oppressed communities today have access to ‘education’ and ‘power’ due to the struggles launched by Dr B R Ambedkar. Every community in the nation should have access to the resources and benefits of the welfare programmes launched by the government. The intended benefits should percolate to every strata of the society, he remarked.
Vice Chancellor of Kuvempu University Prof B S Sherigara presided over the programme, in which Registrar Prof Abdul Rahman, member of the State Zoo Authority Shivanna, Dr Rangaraja Vanadurga were present.