A recent seminar in the city highlighted the critical importance of Karnataka’s ongoing Social and Educational Survey. Speakers delved into its historical context and emphasized how crucial it is for establishing socio-economic justice and fair opportunities for communities that have traditionally faced disadvantages.
Organized by the public advocacy group Jagratha Karnataka, in collaboration with the University of Mysore Research Scholars Association and other civic bodies, the seminar explored the ‘Socio-Educational Survey: Historical Background, Implementation Challenges, and Our Role.’
H.V. Vasu, a key member of Jagratha Karnataka, pointed out that while job reservations began in the 20th century to promote equality, a deeply entrenched disparity had existed for over two millennia. For centuries, employment opportunities were largely monopolized by upper castes, leaving lower and backward classes systematically excluded. This historical imbalance, he explained, directly led to the accumulation of economic power in the hands of a select few.
Vasu stressed the urgent need for wider public understanding of the survey’s purpose, noting that even well-educated individuals often hold misconceptions about its goals.
He cited the recent controversy involving Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murthy, who publicly declined to participate in the survey, claiming they did not belong to any backward class. Vasu highlighted this incident as an example of a troubling lack of social awareness, even among those who have built immense wealth.
Recounting the modern history of reservations, Vasu noted that Sahu Maharaj of Kolhapur first introduced job reservations in 1901-02. However, he credited Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar with forming a dedicated committee and implementing reservations based on its recommendations around 1919.
Delving deeper into the caste-based movements within the erstwhile princely state of Mysore, Vasu recounted how the Maharaja commissioned Justice Leslie Miller to conduct a study and submit a report, which ultimately led to the implementation of reservations around 1919.
Despite strong opposition from the then Dewan, Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the Maharaja stood firm in his resolve. This disagreement famously led to Visvesvaraya’s resignation and the subsequent appointment of Kantharaja Urs, who became Mysore’s first non-Brahmin Dewan. Vasu emphasized that such reservation policies have consistently faced resistance from various vested interest groups, from the Miller Commission era to the more recent Mandal Commission.
He expressed concern that, paradoxically, some beneficiaries of the reservation system are now among those opposing the current survey.
Vasu characterized the caste system as deeply embedded in societal structures. He criticized those who dismiss guarantee schemes and reservations as “anti-development,” arguing that true national development is impossible when a large segment of the population is denied opportunities or a fair share of economic prosperity. He asserted that this survey is a crucial step towards accurately identifying and supporting the marginalized and vulnerable segments of society.
Vasu warned that failure to implement the findings of the current survey would prevent the reservation share for backward classes from aligning with their population numbers, leaving the entire effort to achieve equity unfinished for generations to come.
Attendees at the seminar included MLC Yathindra, KRRS leader Badagalpura Nagendra, and other prominent figures.