State Backward Classes Commission former chairman C S Dwarakanath inaugurates the 134th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr B R Ambedkar on Kuvempu University campus at Shankaraghatta in Bhadravathi taluk on Monday.
Credit: DH Photo
Shivamogga: Drawing a powerful parallel between two of India’s most iconic leaders, State Backward Classes Commission former chairperson C S Dwarakanath asserted that while Mahatma Gandhi is widely regarded as the father of the nation, it is Dr B R Ambedkar who truly deserves to be seen as the mother of the nation.
Speaking at Dr B R Ambedkar’s 134th birth anniversary celebrations organised by Kuvempu University on Jnana Sahyadri campus at Shankaraghatta on Monday, Dwarakanath underscored Ambedkar’s deep-rooted contributions to the nation’s socioeconomic foundation and his visionary commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.
Delivering a special lecture, Dwarakanath described Dr B R Ambedkar as a visionary who was far ahead of his time and an architect of modern India whose thoughts on caste, gender, economy, and democracy continue to shape the nation even to this day. He emphasised Ambedkar’s deep understanding of caste as a form of social capital that uplifts and oppresses, and called him a pathfinder who revealed the structural roots of social inequality.
Stressing the need for socially driven research, he asserted that true development is impossible without uplifting the economically and socially-backward people.
He also opposed the misuse of the ‘creamy layer’ concept, stating that ‘reservation’, which he termed ‘representation’, must be based on social disadvantage, not on economic criteria.
Hailing Ambedkar as the world’s first feminist, Dwarakanath said, “Ambedkar’s vision and advocacy for women’s rights through reforms like the Hindu Code Bill, maternity benefits, and voting rights laid the foundation for women’s leadership in India.”
Highlighting Ambedkar’s intellectual links with thinkers like Karl Marx, Lenin, and Basavanna, Dwarakanath also noted his role in aligning India with global human rights principles.
Reflecting on Ambedkar embracing Buddhism after the Poona Pact, he remarked, “While others sought to preserve religion, Ambedkar sought to preserve dignity.
He concluded by saying the Constitution, as envisioned by Ambedkar, is life-centric, not man-centric.
Intellectual force
In his presidential address, Kuvempu University Vice-Chancellor Sharath Ananthamurthy echoed many of these sentiments, describing Ambedkar as more than a social reformer, rather a system builder and intellectual force.
“Ambedkar is a complete knowledge system. His thinking must be integrated into all disciplines, including Science and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). There is an urgent need to reconstruct and reapply Ambedkar’s thoughts to contemporary challenges,” he said.
The University Registrar A L Manjunath, Registrar (Evaluation) Gopinath S M, Finance Officer H N Ramesh, Study Centre’s Director Nellikatte Siddesh and others were present on the occasion.