Not mincing his words, actor Nana Patekar on Sunday expressed anguish on religious groups dividing society on the lines of caste, and rued people’s attitude of tolerating misrule by politicians. He reiterated that reservation should be for the economically backward.
In his speech at an event to celebrate Ramakrishna Mission’s 200th Swachh Mangaluru campaign, Mr. Patekar said it was unfortunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to give a call for a campaign to keep the surroundings clean when it should have been “our duty”.
He said with nuclear families the concentration was more on oneself and there was no love for land and region. The walls built on the lines of religion and caste were preventing people from understanding each other’s suffering.
“If these walls are broken the society comes together and cleaning will happen on its own,” he said.
Mr. Patekar said the electorate should make politicians work to fulfil their needs. “We are still in the mindset of the Raja (king) and Praja (citizens). If we continue to tolerate, we cannot see any change,” he said.
Former Gadag MLA D.R. Patil, RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mutt head Swami Jitakamananda spoke.
Earlier, Mr. Patekar inaugurated the paintings on the compound walls of the University College and Government Wenlock Hospital, along Hampankatta Road. He also inaugurated the refurbished bus shelter and autorickshaw park at Hampankatta.
