Udupi : Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said true reverence will be paid to Architect of the Indian Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar only when the constitutional statutes are practised efficiently to eliminate disparity in the society. 

Speaking after inaugurating the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Ambedkar, he said Ambedkar was instrumental in ensuring Constitutional privileges to all sections of the society. “Equality is the most crucial element for a balanced society. Social justice should be delivered to the last man in the society. Each individual, irrespective of his or her social status, class, caste, creed and religion, should be treated on par with others,” he added.

He said the dreams of the great leader will be realised when people follow the ideologies and thoughts in earnest and try to get rid of the societal imbalance.

Sorake said the government has planned year-long programmes to commemorate the 125th birthday celebrations of Ambedkar. These programmes should not be limited only to Social Welfare Department and the district administration, but should be celebrated by all, he added.

He said that the day will be henceforth observed as the Day of National Harmony.  Besides, Panchayat Raj Day programmes will be organised from April 14 to 24 and Gram Swaraj campaign is also planned, Sorake said.

“It is an attempt by the government to ensure communal harmony and promote democratic society. The present Ambedkar Bhavan is renovated at a cost Rs 4 lakh while another full-fledged community hall in the name of Ambedkar will be built at the heart of the city at a cost of Rs 4 crore,” the minister said.

MLA Pramodh Madhwaraj said Ambedkar was instrumental in providing a dignified life to Dalits. “He proposed equality for women in the ancestral property and when he was unable to get support, he quit the post of law minister to reiterate his commitments to the weaker sections,” Madhwaraj added.

Ambedkar was a farsighted visionary who lent voice to the voiceless labourers, the MLA said. Reservation is very essential to bring a particular section into the forefront of the society, he added.