Mangaluru : Reading Dr. B R Ambedkar is important to understand true India and Indianness. Else India will remain an impractical, traditional country with lack of intellectual knowledge, opined Hampi Kannada University Department of History Professor Prof. N. Chinnaswamy Sosale.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating 132nd birth anniversary celebration of ‘Bharat Ratna’ Dr. B R Ambedkar at Mangala Auditorium here on Friday, he said that true religion leads to equality and intuition. But now caste system is dominating which is dangerous to the democracy. “Nationalism” is knowing the problems of the country and finding solutions, and not being in illusion and pretending that “we are together”. Constitution has taught us to leave the imaginary world and talk and question,” he added.

In his presidential speech, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor of Prof. P. Subrahmanya Yadpadithaya said that we should uphold the principles of Ambedkar in our words and action. Implementation of the Constitution should also be effective. It is necessary to change our state of mind and introspect. “Ambedkar and his works should not become showpieces,” he said.

As part of the programme, the artists of Pampa Cultural and Social Centre, Bengaluru presented a social drama “Ambedkar”. Dignitaries paid floral tributes to Dr. B R Ambedkar’s new bronze statue near library.

Registrar Dr. Kishore Kumar C K welcomed the guests and gave an introductory speech. Scheduled Caste/ Tribe Cell Special Officer Dr. Narasimhaiah N proposed the vote of thanks. Registrar (Evaluation) Dr. Raju Krishna Chalannavar, Finance Officer Prof. Y Sangappa and others were present. Dr. Yashaswini B and Dr. Dhananjaya Kumble mastered the event.

After retirement…
Mangalore University Vice Chancellor of Prof. P. Subrahmanya Yadpadithaya, who is going to retire in the first week of this June said, “This may be the last major event I am participating in before retirement. I am going to retire from the position of vice chancellor, but the knowledge gained from experience, introspection, pro social thinking and works will continue as long as I have breath,” he said.