Rathayatra for social equality to feature civic workers in Gadag from April 14

Gadag: The Samanate Mandir Trust in Gadag has announced a rathayatra for social equality, set to take place from April 14 (Ambedkar Jayanti) to April 30 (Basava Jayanti). The chariot will travel across the district, promoting inclusivity, as people from all communities will bring homemade food and eat together to symbolise unity. Organisers emphasise that the event is non-political and embraces all religions.
Key organiser Anil Menasinakai told TOI that the yatra is aimed at spreading Ambedkar's philosophies and to felicitate labourers and civic workers. "Construction of Ram Mandir was many Indians' dreams, and now it's realised. Dr Ambedkar empowered each Indian through the Constitution and hence we are constructing Bhim Mandir in the land of two acres in Gadag taluk. The yatra will be launched after offering respect to Basaveshwar idol in Gadag," he added.
Other organisers Vasant Padagad, Ravi Angadi, Udachappa Hallikeri, and Muttanna Gadagin said that the route of the rathayatra will be decided in a final meeting to be held on March 30. "The budget of the event is not calculated, but trust members are contributing in the form of sponsoring fuel for vehicles, felicitation material, etc. Seeing our activities, many residents of the district are extending their support in the form of services. As far as food is concerned, we have appealed to people to bring food from their home but to consume it together," they stated.
They also said that the silver-coated chariot would carry portraits of Ambedkar, Basava, Shishunal Sharief, Maharshi Valmiki, Bhakta Kanakadasa, and other great souls. "On the first day, i.e., April 14, we will felicitate civic workers and labourers by carrying them in the chariot. Devotional songs and slogans on great souls will be chanted during the yatra," he asserted.
Vijayalaxmi Manvi, Channamma Hulakannavar, and Chandru Harijan observed that Ambedkar's birth anniversary has become only the govt's celebration and an event for Dalits. "We want to break this opinion and want to publicise that Ambedkar's birth anniversary should be celebrated by all communities of the district and India as well," they shared.