INTRO: Karnataka has a proud tradition of democracy, dating back 800 years to the time of Basavanna and the Sharan movement, says Siddaramaiah
BENGALURU
The 77th Republic Day celebrations were held at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in the city on Monday.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot hoisted the national flag, followed by a review of the parade and a message to the state’s citizens. Across the state, district in-charge ministers unfurled the Tricolour.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived at the venue wearing a Gandhi cap. Interestingly, this year, the CM delivered the Republic Day message before the Governor’s speech in a departure from tradition.
In his address, the CM said trying to weaken the Constitution is a poisonous conspiracy. If we protect the Constitution, the Constitution will protect us. The country will remain secure. Therefore, on Republic Day, we should all take a pledge to protect the Constitution.
“This January 26, India completed 76 years since the Constitution, which was drafted to govern itself, came into force. Today, on the auspicious day of the 77th Republic Day, I would like to share with the people of my country the importance of the Constitution and some thoughts that strengthen democracy, he said.
He explained that the Constitution aims to ensure social, economic and political justice, freedom of thought, expression, belief and worship, equality in status and opportunities for all citizens of India, and to promote brotherhood among all.
We need to remember that the seed of a democracy was in Karnataka 800 years ago. It was made possible by the Sharan movement led by Basavanna, the pioneer of social revolution. Anubhav Mantapa at Kudala Sangam is a model for a democratic system in the world. Even the lowest strata of society had an equal opportunity to actively participate in the discussion and express their opinions and demands in the Anubhav Mantapa. This is the foundation of the democratic system we are experiencing today. This decision to build a just social system in India was made at a historic moment. Before the adoption of the current constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, there was an unwritten constitution in India. It was an unwritten constitution that accepted inequality and determined the qualifications and opportunities of a person on the basis of gender and caste. In that traditional social system, certain classes, such as the Shudras, women and the untouchables, were deprived of the right to own wealth, acquire knowledge and live with dignity. Rejecting this anti-human unwritten constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar gave India a new constitution, he said.
There are hundreds of government schemes. But the ideal behind them is the same. That is the creation of an equal society, equal opportunities for all. He requested public cooperation, support and blessings in our efforts to empower everyone and build a powerful state.
Onus on all of us to preserve federal system: Guv
Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot said in his Republic Day speech that it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve our federal system so that the dream of the framers of the Constitution to build a strong India through strong states is not undermined.
Amidst the conflict over the joint session speech, there was curiosity about what the Governor would do on Republic Day. However, the Governor read the speech prepared by the state government as it was. The speech mentioned the achievements, schemes and policies of the government and did not contain any criticism of the central government. The 30-minute speech covers 41 points across 24 pages.
Speaking after unfurling the tricolour, Gehlot said, “January 26 is a pivotal day in India’s history, marking the end of monarchical and colonial rule, and the establishment of democracy. It commemorates the adoption of the Constitution, which enshrines social, economic, and political justice, equality, and fraternity”.
“The Constitution, drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, replaced an unequal and unjust system with a modern, democratic framework. It envisions a society where every citizen has equal opportunities, regardless of birth or background”.
“Karnataka has a proud tradition of democracy, dating back 800 years to the time of Basavanna and the Sharan movement. The state government is committed to implementing the Constitution’s ideals and ensuring social and economic justice”.
“The government has launched various schemes, such as Anna Bhagya, Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, and Yuva Nidhi, to provide basic necessities like food, energy, and livelihood to the people. These schemes have helped people save money, invest in education and healthcare, and live with dignity”.
“The Chief Minister has made efforts to implement the Constitution’s ideals and promote social justice. He urges everyone to join him in taking a pledge to protect the Constitution and uphold its values”, the Governor noted.
Some key initiatives of the Karnataka government include: Providing economic empowerment to marginalized communities
Implementing guarantee schemes for basic necessities like food, energy, and livelihood; promoting education and healthcare; ensuring social and economic justice; protecting the rights of farmers and labourers; promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.
“The government is committed to working towards a strong, prosperous, and equitable society, as envisioned by the Constitution”, the governor noted.
The parade featured various contingents, including a Tamil Nadu police team. The event concluded with a cultural programme and the singing of the national anthem. Public TV had earlier reported that there might a break in the parade tradition and it seems they did!
Meanwhile, there was a mix-up with the welcome board, which read BBMP instead of GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authority).