Ambedkar Jayanti Must Be a Celebration of Knowledge, Not Mere Ritual: Narendra Swamy

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary should be a celebration of knowledge, not a mere formality. Such celebrations should preferably be held in April or May, stated P.M. Narendra Swamy, Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 134th Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti and the first district-level Self-Respect Convention for Government SC/ST Employees, organized by the Karnataka State SC/ST Employees Coordination Committee on the Dalit Poet Siddalingaiah stage at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan in the city on Friday.

Narendra Swamy emphasized that there is no need for ostentatious and superficial celebrations, events, or conventions in the current scenario. "These ceremonies gain meaning only when we celebrate them with thoughtfulness, awareness, enlightenment, and self-respect. Otherwise, it amounts to disrespecting Ambedkar," he asserted.

He noted with concern that efforts are systematically underway to create discord among sub-castes regarding internal reservations and Ambedkar's legacy. "When we are divided, our organization and unity weaken, diminishing the community's strength," he warned.

Many individuals bring complaints to him regarding various issues, including the denial of promotions to Scheduled Caste employees and the failure to fill backlog vacancies. He urged the community to reflect on their current standing if they fail to comprehend their constitutional rights.