India cannot be transformed without understanding Ambedkar, says prof

Mangaluru: Reading BR Ambedkar is important to understand true India and Indianness, or else India will remain an impractical, traditional country, with lack of intellectual knowledge, opined N Chinnaswamy Sosale, history professor at Hampi Kannada University .
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 132nd birth anniversary celebration of Bharat Ratna BR Ambedkar at Mangalore University on Friday, he said that true religion leads to equality and intuition.
“Now the caste system is dominating, which is dangerous to democracy. Nationalism is knowing the problems of the country and finding solutions, and not being in illusion and pretending that we are together. The Constitution has taught us to leave the imaginary world and talk about and question issues,’’ he added.
In his presidential speech, Mangalore University vice-chancellor PS Yadpadithaya said that people should uphold the principles of Ambedkar in words and actions.
“The implementation of the Constitution should be effective. It is necessary to change our state of mind and introspect. Ambedkar and his works should not become showpieces,” he said.
As part of the programme, the artistes of the Pampa Cultural and Social Centre, Bengaluru, presented a social drama—‘Ambedkar’. Dignitaries paid floral tributes to BR Ambedkar’s new bronze statue, that was installed near the Mangalore University library.
Yadpadithaya, who is going to retire in the first week of June, said, “This may be the last major event I am participating in before retirement. I’m going to retire from the position of vice-chancellor, but the knowledge gained from the experience, introspection, pro-social thinking, and work will continue as long as I live.”