Need for a caste-free society as Ambedkar’s concept of social change: Anandiben

Gandhinagar

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today described Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as the architect of India’s constitution and sovereignty, and not just a leader of the backward classes and have-nots.

Addressing a function organized here to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, she said the contributions of Dr. Ambedkar should not be limited to the uplift of the oppressed, even as his strong ideals, views and knowledge for social equanimity, free from caste discrimination, are all pervading.

Mrs. Patel had a word for the steps initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who as the Chief Minister of Gujarat worked for good governance, girls’ education, women’s empowerment for fifteen years. The state government had risen above the vote bank politics and worked for all round development of the poorest persons and families through social changes.

She said the state government strengthened the concept of social harmony and equanimity after 2001, a visible change from Gujarat of the pre-2001 days. She said that her government took proactive role under youth self-help scheme, save girl campaign, women’s health checkup for breast and cervical cancer, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, Ma-Vatsalyam Card, etc.

The Chief Minister on this occasion handed over seven special cash awards and citations in different categories, ranging from Rs,25,000 to Rs. one lakh. She wished the creative works of the awardees would guide the people for years to come.

The Babasaheb Ambedkar Award of Rs. one lakh for creative Dalit literature was given to Ishwarbhai Kusabhai Parmar and Muljibhai Vishrambhai Khuman, the Rs. one lakh Mahatma Gandhi special award for social work to Manubhai Jivabhai Barot of Manavseva Education and Charitable Trust, the Savitribai Phule Dalit Mahila Arts/Literature Award of Rs.50,000 to Miss Shital Ravindrakumar Makwana and the Sant Kabir Dalit Sahitya Award of Rs.25,000 to Dr. Dineshbhai Motibhai Bhadresia, the Mahatma Phule Best Dalit Journalism Award of Rs.25,000 to Govindbhai Naranbhai Parmar and the of Rs.25,000 Dasi Jeevan Best Dalit Sahitya Award to Ladhardas Khodidas Shrimali.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ramanlal Vora said that Dr. Ambedkar was a national leader who dedicated his life for the development of all class of people. He was a visionary advocating the spread of electricity, interlinking of river, industrialization and united India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to build a memorial befitting the stature of Dr Ambedkar. It was due to the efforts of the government that 34 lakhs read book of Dr. Ambedkar.

Gujarat Assembly Deputy Speaker Atmaram Parmar said that Dr. Ambedkar was a social reformer, and his ideas are still relevant.

Ahmedabad’s Member of Parliament Kirit Solanki said Dr. Ambedkar was a people’s leader, liberator of all sections of the society. The State Government has earmarked Rs.125-crore on the 125th birth anniversary.

Additional Chief Secretary for Social Justice and Empowerment M.S. Dagur delivered the welcome address.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha Member Shambhu Tundia, Parliamentary Secretary Jethabhai Solanki, MLAs Rakeshbhai Shah, Meghjibhai Chavda, Poonambhai Makwana, Ishwarsinh Parmar, Rajnikant Patel, Manishaben Vakil, Rameshbhai Maheshwari, Bhanuben Babaria and Jagdishbhai Panchal, Ahmedabad Mayor Gautambhai Shah, Gujarat Safai Kamdar Vikas Nigam Chairperson Darshanaben Vaghela, among others.

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