Shri K. Ramankutty,       

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,

I am extremely happy to address this meeting, held on the Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Bheemrao Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of our Constitution and a visionary with the most commendable far-sight.

Let me at the outset, compliment the All India Confederation of  SC/ST Organizations, for honoring the sacred memory of this great visionary by recognizing and rewarding the good work and social contributions of a group of committed individuals.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Fazal Gafoor, President, Muslim Educational society, Dr. Mary George, noted economist, Shri K. Sudhir, Director of Handlooms and Textiles, Rajayogini Brahmakumari Pankajam Bahanji, Spokes-person of Brahmakumaris, Shri K. Prabhakaran noted Journalist, Shri S.V. Mohan Abraham, entrepreneur and Smt. Surya Sutha Bhaskaran, Teacher, on winning the Ambedkar Highest Excellence Award this year. I also congratulate Dr. Ajay Sekhar, noted Academician on winning the Bhagwan Buddha Universal Excellence award and Shri K.M. Salim Kumar, noted writer on winning the Award in the name Mahatma Jyothiba Phule, whose farsighted reforms had brought in great social changes in  India. 

Dr. Ambedkar’s birthday has become a day of national importance, celebrated across the country and abroad by all and particularly by those who identify with him. Over the years, with more and more sections of society realizing the need for social justice and equity, the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar have gained more significance. He worked for the removal of disparities and the equalization of socio-economic opportunities for the downtrodden sections of society. He strongly believed that providing equal educational opportunities to these people was the only way for their uplift in the hierarchical society that we live in.

 Today, as we recall the contributions of this great son of India, we are reminded of a life marked by a never ending struggle to ensure a life of dignity to millions of people, who were neglected by history. Even after the centenary of the birth of this visionary, the struggle continues at different levels. As a social reformer, Dr. Ambedkar stands shoulder to shoulder with many revolutionaries and thinkers who have influenced Indian society. But, the success and greatness of Dr. Ambedkar was that he could strongly convey his message through the most sacred text of our democracy, namely the Constitution.

Dr. Ambedkar believed that Liberty, equality and fraternity formed a trinity and that divorcing one from the other meant defeating the very purpose of democracy. In his view, liberty requires the accommodation and acceptance of diverse viewpoints and faiths and this alone could generate the idea of fraternity.  He believed that Equality was always the critical link in this trinity. This is what encouraged him to put in place several provisions for social justice in our Constitution.

The Concept of reservation was introduced in the backdrop of 3,000 years of subjugation and so, none can argue against reservation. In his own words:  

     "Reservation is neither a policy matter, a political gimmick nor a matter of Charity. It is a Constitutional Obligation.”

Implementation of this constitutional obligation is the responsibility of both the Government and the people. While the Government is duty bound to provide reservation, thereby fulfilling the constitutional obligation, the people have an obligation to utilize the bestowed opportunity to the maximum. Opportunity given but wasted is equal to opportunity not given at all. Everyone gathered in this hall should recall this vital point today so that Dr. Ambedkar’s vision is completely accomplishedat least in the coming decade.

We all know that Dr. Ambedkar success and greatness earned through years of hard work, backed by a strong will to excel in everything he did.  He singlehandedly fought the obstacles put before his path by a casteist society with extreme patience. What Dr. Ambedkar gave in return to such obstacles was the concept of a new social order, based on equality, equity and justice. 

It is customary for many people to limit Ambedkar’s contribution to the uplift of the weaker sections alone.           His argument for extensive social and economic rights covered the area of women empowerment also. After six decades of independence and reservation, we are still faced with the issue of social, gender and economic imbalance. I am sure that the imbalance would have been worse, if India had not implemented the system of reservation conceived by Dr. Ambedkar.

As the first Indian to pursue a doctorate in Economics abroad, Dr. Ambedkar had immense faith in the role of industrialization and agriculture as vectors of change in India’s economy. Ambedkar laid stress on the investment in agriculture as the most important industry of India. It may be true that over the years, the industrial and service sectors have outdone the primary sector of agriculture in the contribution to the nation’s economy. But, agriculture is still one sector that employs nearly half the Indian work force. This is ample proof of the farsighted vision of         Dr. Ambedkar.

Dr. Ambedkar is a role model for all generations to come. He did not weep that he had no opportunity but created opportunities for himself. However, the prevailing situation is most favorable to all of us, the opportunities are abundant; it only requires our endeavor to achieve it.

Let me now say a few words to the awardees of today. An award is certainly an encouragement. But, an award in the name of a visionary like Dr. Ambedkar, or a Prophet like Shri Buddha or a social reformer like Mahatma Jyotiba Phulepoints to a greater responsibility of being role models to younger generations, especially in the pursuit of excellence.  I wish you the very best in your future endeavors and hope that your contributions would bring positive changes in the areas of your service.

Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind