Various programmes including lectures, cultural and literary programmes marked the 127th birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar in the twin cities on Saturday.
The statue of the late leader at Kadapa Maidan in Dharwad and near Head Post Office in Hubballi was almost buried under a heap of garlands as members of Dalit outfits, local organisations, and heads of institutions took turns to garland the statue to pay tributes to the father of the Indian Constitution.
With the model code of conduct in place, political leaders were not invited to the official programmes conducted by the district and taluk administration. While S.B. Bommanahalli, Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad, and Snehal Raymane, Chief Executive Officer, zilla panchayat, took part in the Dharwad programmes, tahsildar Shashidhar Madyal paid tribute to the leader in Hubballi.
Later, speaking at a programme at Sanmati Marg, Mr. Bommanahalli said equality had been achieved through the Constitution of India and in the multi-cultural country, it had protected the rights of every individual. “By adopting the principles of Constitution, India has emerged as a largest democracy in the world and is making giant strides in all fields,” he said.
He said Ambedkar not only worked to uplift suppressed classes but also for the rights of women, the working class and minorities. Being an economist, he played a pivotal role in setting up of Reserve Bank of India and because of his vision the country’s economy had grown stronger, he added.
In Hubballi, Mr. Madyal recalled how the contributions of Ambedkar had helped the country.
Birth anniversary programmes were held at various educational institutions.
Throughout the day, representatives of various organisations including Dalits, particularly youth, took out motorcycle rallies. Raising slogans, they covered the thoroughfares of the city.
At the Ambedkar statue near Head Post Office in Hubballi, various organisations jointly held a programme in the evening to pay tributes. Cultural programmes were also held.
