Poverty, inequality broke Ambedkar's dream: Teltumbde

Poverty and inequality are increasing each day in India, leaving Dr B R Ambedkar’s dream unfulfilled, said professor Anand Teltumbde, a senior fellow at the Goa Institute of Management.

Teltumbde was speaking during the 128th Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations at Dr B R Ambedkar Institute of Technology (AIT) on Sunday.

“Though Dalits today represent all spheres of life, the majority, who were Ambedkar’s main concern, are still languishing in poverty without hope. His dreams remain unfulfilled. That kind of Ambedkar, who worked for the betterment of people needs to be remembered today,” said Teltumbde, who was the chief guest.

According to Teltumbde, Dr Ambedkar was a phenomenon of the 20th century as he exposed the caste system, the bane for development in India.

“Dr Ambedkar’s was a social, political and economic democracy that is yet to come. During the last five years, India has become the most unequal society in the world. British-era draconian laws like sedition are imposed on innocent citizens, branding them anti-national,” he added.

Indian democracy is limping forward while Ambedkar’s principles of rational thinking and scientific temper are often undermined, said Teltumbde. “The fascist regime promotes de-intellectualisation, anti-scientific and anti-rational thoughts,” Teltumbde elaborated.

He also praised the Institute for its successful run. “The first and foremost successful institutions in the name of Ambedkar function in Karnataka, not his home state Maharashtra,” Teltumbde stressed.

In the programme, AIT felicitated accomplished faculties for their academic achievements. Prize distribution of Techno Exhibition, a technology fest, was held. A play by Gulami Gang was staged.

The programme was chaired by S Shivamallu, treasurer of PVP Welfare Trust. Dr N Mahadeva, secretary of the institute, principal Dr C Nanjundaswami and trustee Dr B N Umesh spoke at the function.