Addressing a special lecture titled “Arive Ambedkar” (Know Ambedkar) in Hampi, Professor H.T. Pote, Director of the Kannada Study Centre at Gulbarga University, urged for a holistic portrayal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. “Our duty is to reveal the full truth of B.R. Ambedkar to the public, avoiding selective narratives that pit him against others,” he stated, emphasizing the need for an unbiased understanding of the visionary leader.
Professor Pote further elaborated on Dr. Ambedkar’s core philosophy, explaining, “Dr. Ambedkar firmly believed that true freedom blossoms only when the shackles of mental slavery are broken, hand-in-hand with the dismantling of external oppression.” He highlighted Ambedkar’s remarkable journey from a humble student to an exceptional leader, driven by intellect, deep thought, and immense personal sacrifice. The professor also pointed out the persistent reality of the caste system, despite its technical disappearance, stressing that its complete eradication remains a shared societal responsibility.
Adding another layer to the discussion, veteran journalist Mangaluru Vijaya delivered a powerful address, highlighting Dr. Ambedkar’s tireless advocacy for women’s rights and equality. “His vital contributions to women’s empowerment, ensuring their concerns were woven into the very fabric of the Constitution, are regrettably seldom acknowledged,” Vijaya remarked. He lauded Ambedkar as a true visionary who championed opportunities for marginalized communities, women, and laborers alike.
Journalist and author Yatiraj Byalahalli, a guest speaker from Bengaluru, underscored the urgency of revisiting Dr. Ambedkar’s profound thoughts in contemporary society. He cautioned, “History often echoes itself, and in modern times, we see forces attempting to misguide the populace. This makes it absolutely crucial to disseminate widespread awareness of Dr. Ambedkar’s foundational ideas, philosophy, and immense contributions.”
Tambanda Vijay Poonacha, Registrar of Kannada University, noted that while Dr. Ambedkar meticulously laid down avenues for opportunity within the Constitution, it is now the collective responsibility of both governments and citizens to actively and effectively utilize these provisions.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor D.V. Paramashivamurthy offered a profound reflection: “While discussing equality is simple, truly embodying it in practice presents a significant challenge.” He emphasized that “Awareness is a dual journey—both inward and outward. To truly ‘Know Ambedkar’ (Arive Ambedkar), we must move beyond superficial knowledge and diligently explore the often-overlooked facets of his contributions. Genuine assimilation of his philosophy can only occur when our thoughts are rooted in moral purity.”
The event, jointly organized by the Chair for Dalit Studies of Kannada University and Eedina.com, commenced with introductory remarks from Chinnaswamy Sosale, Director of the Dalit Studies Chair. The insightful discussions were attended by deans, department heads, faculty members, non-teaching staff, research scholars, and representatives from Eedina.com, underscoring the broad interest in Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.