Constitution empowers marginalised people, says Joshi

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi paying tribute to B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary in Hubballi on Monday.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi has said that it is because of the Constitution framed by B.R. Ambedkar that even an ordinary person from a common family can reach high position.

Speaking at a seminar on “Dr B R Ambedkar’s Contributions to the Neglected Communities of India” at Karnatak University in Dharwad on Monday, he said that Babasaheb Ambedkar is a great personality who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the oppressed communities and fought for the basic rights of the marginalised sections of society.

Despite facing hardships, socially, economically and politically, he kept fighting and framed the Constitution focussed on welfare of all. “Ambedkar stands before us not just as a politician, but also as a journalist, diplomat and economist,” he said.

The Union Minister said that his government has developed the birthplace of B.R. Ambedkar, his place of Mahaparinirvana and erected the tallest statue for him.

Hubballi-Dharwad East MLA Prasad Abbayya, said that through his knowledge Babasaheb Ambedkar became a beacon of hope for the oppressed people. Emphasising that his ideas are still relevant today, he said that every section of society, political parties and leaders need Ambedkar.

Senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu termed Ambedkar’s life a great motivation to the neglected communities. “He is one of the greatest thinkers in the world and has inspired countless struggles. It is unfortunate that even after 75 years of the Constitution coming into effect, oppression continues against marginalised and underprivileged communities,” he said.

In-charge Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University Jayashri S. presided over the programme.