Bengaluru, Aug 21: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that a truly equal society can only be achieved by eliminating poverty and the caste system.
During Tuesday’s 109th birth anniversary celebration of former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs, he made these remarks at the Vidhana Soudha Banquet Hall.
CM Siddaramaiah highlighted the importance of removing social divisions such as upper and lower classes and caste discrimination. He pointed out that everyone should live as equals, which was the dream of social reformers like Basavanna and the principle on which Dr. B.R. Ambedkar based the Indian Constitution.
The Chief Minister praised Devaraj Urs for his efforts to uplift the underprivileged, including Dalits, backward classes, minorities, and women, despite being born into a royal family. He noted that Urs focused on providing education and economic opportunities to marginalized communities to help eliminate the caste system.
Urs worked towards education and economic freedom for the marginalized to eliminate the caste system. He also removed many social evils, such as the practice of manual scavenging.
Despite opposition, he implemented recommendations from the commission led by Havanoor, which ensured reservations for backward classes in education.
CM Siddaramaiah also mentioned that even after 77 years of independence, true social equality has not been fully realized in our society. He stressed the need for equal opportunities for everyone and highlighted the ongoing struggle against caste-based discrimination.
The Chief Minister announced that the Karnataka government conducted the country’s first caste census to understand various communities’ economic and social conditions, ensuring social justice. He expressed his commitment to continuing the fight for equality and social justice despite political challenges.
Even today, efforts to suppress the backward classes continue. The CM highlighted several programs aimed at helping the poor, women, farmers, and youth, but noted resistance from those who oppose change.
In recognition of Urs’ contributions, CM Siddaramaiah suggested that the late leader should be awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously. He also announced that the electronic city would be named after Devaraj Urs.
Though the Karnataka unification happened in 1956, it was Devaraj Urs who renamed the state as Karnataka in 1973. The year-long celebration in this regard will conclude with an event in November, during which a statue of Kannada Bhuvaneshwari will be unveiled at Vidhana Soudha, he said.
