“It is a common belief that education and development can automatically solve the problems faced by the society. However, experiences in the past six decades show that economic inequality and social differences do not go on their own,” said T R Chandrashekar, Professor at Department of Studies in Kannada, Hampi Kannada University, here on Sunday.
Delivering a lecture on ‘Current Social-Economic crisis’ during 122nd birth anniversary celebrations of B R Ambedkar, he said, a conscious attempt should me made to eradicate social differences.
“Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar differed on some issues. Ambedkar was of the view that political freedom does not result in economic freedom and development of communities. He believed people’s freedom was more essential than national freedom,” Chandrashekar said.
Political freedom has benefitted only economically well-off sections of the society. Therefore, the stress should be on developing the concept of social freedom. There is a difference between ‘democracy’ and ‘social democracy’, he said.
Social reforms and related movements can succeed only if attempts are made to create an environment of social equality, he said.
Speaking on the movements against corruption in the country, he said anti-corruption activism should not be restricted to the political sphere alone. Steps should be taken to fight corruption that is rampant in the corporate sector also, he said.
“Tax concessions extended by governments to the corporate sector has resulted in a loss of Rs 5.71 lakh crore for the exchequer in the year 2012-13 alone,” Chandrashekar said.
He said, deliberations should go on, on issues such as untouchability against a few castes, in order to find a permanent solution to such stigmas, he said.
SC/ST students, who have, completed PhD were felicitated on the occasion.
Simple celebrations
Chamarajanagar district administration, zilla panchayat and social welfare department celebrated B R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary in a simple manner in the city, in view of poll code of conduct in place, on Sunday. At a programme held at J H Patel Auditorium, Deputy Commissioner M V Savitri paid floral tributes to a portrait of B R Ambedkar.
Speaking on the occasion, she said Ambedkar fought for the rights of women and their independence. Only when the ideologies of Dr Ambedkar are followed in day-to-day life, it will be a perfect tribute for him, she said.
The Ambedkar’s statue is ready for unveiling. But, since the poll code of conduct is in place for the assembly elections, the election commission has not permitted the unveiling. Hence, the statue will be unveiled after the polls.
Superintendent of Police P Rajendraprasad, ZP CEO M R Somashekarappa and others were present.
