Bengaluru, April 14, 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday described education as the “most powerful weapon to break chains” while addressing the birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Speaking at an event organised by the Social Welfare Department on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, which included the presentation of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Awards, Siddaramaiah paid rich tributes to Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb, on his 135th birth anniversary (Ambedkar Jayanti). He credited the Constitution drafted by Ambedkar for enabling his own rise to the position of Chief Minister.
“As long as the caste system exists, untouchability will continue. As long as social and economic inequalities exist, casteism will persist,” the Chief Minister said, recalling Ambedkar’s views. He added that Ambedkar dedicated his entire life to fighting for the oppressed, Scheduled Castes, and all sections facing exploitation and discrimination, describing him not merely as a Dalit leader but as a champion of justice for everyone.
Siddaramaiah highlighted Ambedkar’s pivotal role in enshrining the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity in the Constitution, calling it one of the finest in the world. He noted Ambedkar’s warning that India’s independence would remain incomplete without eradicating social and economic inequalities. The CM also spoke of Ambedkar’s efforts to reform Hindu society and his eventual decision to renounce Hinduism and reject “Manuvad,” which he viewed as a root cause of inequality.
Quoting Ambedkar, Siddaramaiah emphasised: “Education is the most powerful weapon to liberate people from all forms of bondage.” He stressed that social and economic empowerment is key to self-reliance and urged citizens to pursue education rooted in rationality, scientific temper, and humanism — the kind that shaped leaders like Ambedkar, Ram Manohar Lohia, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
“Had Ambedkar not been educated or possessed a spirit of resistance, it would not have been possible for India to have such a Constitution,” he remarked. Without scientific education, building an equal society is impossible, the Chief Minister added.
Siddaramaiah defended the state government’s guarantee schemes as sincere steps toward social and economic empowerment and an equitable society. He also highlighted a key achievement: 97.22 per cent of students in government-run hostels have passed their examinations, including strong performances in Pre-University Course (PUC) exams, calling it a matter of pride.
The Chief Minister cautioned against “Manuvadis” — forces he described as anti-Constitution — who spread misinformation, including false claims that the Congress defeated Ambedkar or denied him last rites in Delhi. “It is impossible to imagine what the country would be like without Ambedkar. We must remember his life and ideals. Ambedkar belongs to all times,” he said.
Ministers H.C. Mahadevappa and K.H. Muniyappa, Legislative Council Chief Whip Saleem Ahmed, MLA Rizwan Arshad, Council members Bhojegowda and Govindaraju, former MP Chandrappa, former minister Anjaneya, and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh were among those present at the event.
The programme also saw congratulations extended to the recipients of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Awards and meritorious students.
Ambedkar Jayanti, observed annually on April 14, commemorates the birth of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a Bharat Ratna awardee who fought tirelessly against caste discrimination and championed the rights of the marginalised through constitutional and social reforms.
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