Mysore, Feb. 21 (DV&MTY)- The 41st special lecture series programme and book release functions were held at Maharani’s Art College here yesterday under the joint auspices of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Study Centre, JSS College for Women, Kollegal and Maharani’s Art College.

Kannada film actor Ashok, who inaugurated the programme, said: "Our life will have meaning only when we bring happiness in the lives of the downtrodden."

Stating that people of all cla-sses have caused injustice to Ambedkar and Buddha, he regretted no mention is made about them in the course curriculum.

"Exploiting the downtrodden is in vogue for thousands of years. This system is more suited for the present day politics. If the down-trodden are not exploited, the politicians can not utilise politics for their gains," the actor added.

"The downtrodden are facing a lot of problems in rural areas. They have to walk miles together to fetch water. This is not a news for the media. But the elections held spending crores of rupees and politicians amassing thousands of crores of rupees after winning the election becomes a matter of great importance for the media," rued the actor.

Lok Sabha member H. Viswanath, who released the book Shoodraru Mathu Mahileyaru, a research work by Dr. M.N. Javaraiah, said Dr. Ambedkar has struggled hard to protect the human right and human sanctity in India.

"We should be grateful to him. Women have 50 per cent reservation in the elections to local bodies. Dr. Ambedkar had specified this earlier itself in the Constitution. Under the term 'Shoodraru', women are also included. Hence, Dr. Ambedkar is also the reason for the women to contest in elections and win," he stated.

Women who have taken advantage of 50 per cent reservation have occupied positions like President and Vice-President of Village Panchayats. The political right has therefore undergone a change socially and culturally, he said.

"When I was the Education Minister, I had taken steps to open more than 370 schools in dalit colonies. Some lecturers and litterateurs who objected to this said I am an anti-Kannada Minister. No dalit organisation came to my help at that time," he expressed disappointment.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore