Cutting across party lines, representatives from various political parties, trade unions and others on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to Bharat Ratna B.R. Ambedkar on the occasion of his birthday.
Ambedkar statue near LIC junction attracted several leaders and activists, who offered floral tributes and took a pledge to propagate his ideals and strive hard to achieve his dream for a casteless society.
Telugu Desam district president Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu, former MP M.V.V.S. Murthi, MLA V.R.K. Babu and others garlanded the statue. Congress MP Sabbam Hari, CPI district secretary J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy, CPI (M) district president Ch. Narsinga Rao and BJP city president Nagendra and national executive member K. Haribabu described Dr. Ambedkar as the champion of dalits and called for steps to achieve social justice for the oppressed.
Mr. Narsinga Rao earlier led a rally on behalf of Kulavivaksha Porata Samiti and burnt an effigy of caste. The CITU activists staged a dharna at the statue in protest against non-payment of wages to sanitary workers for past four months for the service they rendered at the Government Hospital for Mental Health.
Dalita Hakkula Porata Samiti president Devi Prabhakar alleged the diversion of funds meant for dalit welfare and said this showed lack of commitment by the rulers for social justice.
Tributes paid
NTPC Executive Director (HR) S. Kumar recalled the contribution of Dr. Ambedkar for the Constitution. He was speaking at the birthday celebrations of Dr. Ambedkar at Sakuntalam auditorim of Deepanjalinagar by NTPC Simhadri. General Manager in-charge of Simhadri D.K. Sood and others offered floral tributes.
Sports kits and electric items were distributed by the company to the children of social welfare hostel. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions conducted for children of social welfare hostels. Later a community lunch was organised.
