Bengaluru, April 13 (IANS) The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has announced a series of programmes across the state from April 13 to 20 to mark the birth anniversary of Constitution architect Bharat Ratna B. R. Ambedkar.​

Speaking to the media at the BJP state headquarters “Jagannath Bhavan” in Bengaluru on Monday, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MP Govind Karjol said the party has issued instructions to organise Ambedkar Jayanti events in all districts and taluks across Karnataka.​

He said Ambedkar was not only the architect of the Constitution but also a pioneer of social justice and a symbol of equality. Karjol stated that Ambedkar had laid the foundation for a progressive nation many years ago.​

Highlighting initiatives taken at the national level, he said PM Modi has developed five key sites associated with Ambedkar’s life as ‘Panchteerth’. He also noted that the observance of Constitution Day was a mark of respect paid by the Prime Minister to Ambedkar.​

Karjol further said Ambedkar was a promoter of social harmony and had dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the underprivileged. He added that the entire nation was indebted to him and must continue to honour his contributions.

Meanwhile, Jagadish Hiremani, member of the Dr B. R. Ambedkar Birth Anniversary National Committee and former state secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said various programmes would be organised across the state from April 13 to 20 to spread Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideology among the people.

He said Ambedkar’s birth anniversary was being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. A national celebration committee has also been constituted under the leadership of the BJP national president, he added.

Hiremani said statues, circles, roads, and memorials associated with Ambedkar across the state would be cleaned, and commemorative events would be held in the evening. “Bhima Deepotsava” programmes are also being organised as part of the celebrations.

He said the programmes would be conducted in all taluk and district centres across the state. In Bengaluru, a Deepotsava would be held in front of Ambedkar’s statue near Halasuru Lake, while similar “Bhima Deepotsava” events would take place across the state.

He added that on Monday, around 58,000 booth-level committee members would offer floral tributes to a portrait of Babasaheb Ambedkar.​

Programmes will also be held in district centres from April 15 to 20 to educate people about Ambedkar’s contributions to the nation and society, he said.​

Responding to Congress leaders’ claims that the Constitution is under threat, Hiremani said people would be informed about how Congress had allegedly disrespected Ambedkar in the past.​

He added that seminars, discussions, social media campaigns including videos and short films, and pamphlet distribution would be undertaken to highlight PM Modi’s ‘Panchteerth’ initiative and efforts to honour the architect of the Constitution.​

He further said Ambedkar’s ideology would be taken to hostels, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe colonies, upper-caste localities, and all sections of society through these programmes.​

Highlighting Ambedkar’s legacy, he said that, based on the Constitution he framed, PM Modi has moved towards providing 33 per cent reservation for women across the country.

He added that Ambedkar had long advocated equality, and that present-day women’s empowerment initiatives were a tribute to his vision.​

Former state secretary Jagadish Hiremani, Bagalkote district president Shantagouda Patil, Scheduled Caste Morcha state office secretary Prashanth Kumar, and Scheduled Caste Morcha Bengaluru Central district president Annayya were present on the occasion.​

–IANS

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