166th Birth Anniversary of Kudmul Ranga Rao Observed

MANGALURU

The 166th birth anniversary of Kudmul Ranga Rao, a pioneer in Dalit upliftment and social reform, was observed with reverence by members of the Kudmul Ranga Rao Education Trust and BJP Mangaluru South. Floral tributes were paid at his memorial located at Babugudda in Attavar.

MP Capt Brijesh Chowta honored the reformer, acknowledging his role in initiating a powerful yet compassionate social revolution in the region. MLA D Vedavyas Kamath highlighted that Ranga Rao, born into a Saraswat Brahmin family, devoted his life to uplifting the oppressed and was a true humanitarian. He believed that Dalits deserved to live with dignity and self-respect. Despite facing opposition, Ranga Rao established schools to provide quality education to Dalits, enabling their rise to leadership roles. He actively fought untouchability and exploitation, earning the respect of Mahatma Gandhi, who regarded him as a guru.

Kamath also pointed out that during BJP rule, Kudmul Ranga Rao’s birth anniversary was celebrated annually by the City Corporation and district administration, with dedicated funds allocated for the event. However, he criticized the current Congress-led state government for neglecting this important observance, calling it condemnable. Dalit communities have expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to commemorate such a visionary leader.

Furthermore, Kamath mentioned that under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana, a foundation stone was laid for upgrading the memorial at an estimated cost of Rs 3.5 crore, but the Congress government halted the project after coming to power.