Litteratéur K.S. Bhagavan on Wednesday sought to warn people that attempts were afoot to replace the Indian Constitution with Manusmriti – the ancient text that seeks to establish caste hierarchy.
Speaking at a seminar on ‘Indian Constitution, Democracy and Civil Society’ organised by CFTRI and CFTRI’s SC/ST Employees’ Welfare Association, Mysuru, in connection with B.R. Ambedkar’s 127th birth anniversary, Prof. Bhagavan said the architect of Indian Constitution Dr. Ambedkar had burnt Manusmriti in 1927.
“Now, a few people want to bring Manusmriti back and cancel the Indian Constitution,” he said and added that it was unfortunate that people are not protesting against such acts.
The Constitution was responsible for a large section of the country’s population rising above the caste system and getting access to equal rights. Describing Manusmriti as the most ‘cruel’ religious text, Prof. Bhagavan said those who propagated it were also cruel.
Earlier, R. Rajanna, registrar, University of Mysore, addressed the gathering and said the birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar should be celebrated by all sections of society. Unfortunately, the celebrations are organised only by SC and ST communities, he regretted.
