Daijiworld News Network - Udupi (GA)

Udupi, Mar 8: "The society is still very rude to the backward classes and dalits. Despite scaling great heights in various fields, our society is yet to give equal status to backward classes and dalits. But let us be sure that only education can eradicate this huge gulf between various castes. Even Dr B R Ambedkar was of the opinion that the education process will be incomplete unless the backward classes and dalits get equal opportunities even for higher studies," said Prof K M Kaveriappa, vice -chancellor of Mangalore University.

He was speaking at the workshop on "Writings and Speeches of Dr B R Ambedkar" held at First Grade College of Tenkanidiyoor near here on Tuesday March 7.  The workshop was organized by the Ambedkar Study Centre.

Dwelling further on Ambedkar's philosophy of education he said that social justice should go in tandem with economical development in democracy. "These issues will be given a special attention while forming the national education policy. The need of the hour is to educate the backward classes and dalits who form in integral component of the Indian society," he said.

The workshop was inaugurated by Prof Odeyar D Hegde, director of Sir MVV Post Graduation Study centre, Mysore University.

In his inaugural address he said that Ambedkar spoke about human rights in 1933, much before the United Nations spoke about it in 1948.  "That is why it is not at all right to brand him only as a dalit leader, since he had voiced against injustice inflicted on humanity at large," he added.

Prof Vishwanath, director of Ambedkar Study Centre of Mangalore University welcomed the gathering and Jagdish Rao, principal of the college proposed the vote of thanks. B R Venkat Rao compered the programme.