Kumar committed; no point, says Krishna

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, APRIL 14. The function to inaugurate the Rs. 10-crore Ambedkar Bhavan held here today provided a platform to the Chief Minister, Mr. S. M. Krishna, and the audience on the one hand and the Union Minister for Culture, Mr. Ananth Kumar, on the other to express their views on the proposed review of Constitution. The Governor, Ms. V. S. Rama Devi, used the occasion to tell the people to ``rest assured that nothing would happen'' (to the Constitution).

The bhavan, which has come up on 5,680 square-metre land and is equipped with a sprawling library, was inaugurated by Mr. G.M.C. Balayogi, Lok Sabha Speaker.

It all started when Mr. Ananth Kumar started praising the contribution of Dr. Ambedkar and the greatness of the Constitution. The members of the audience from different corners started raising their voice against the move to review the Constitution. ``If it is so good, why do you want to change it?'' was their question.

When Mr. Kumar spoke of the several amendments made to the Constitution, the audience intervened again saying that it was all right to amend the Constitution but its review was uncalled for. When people continued to interrupt his speech, the Home Minister, Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge, walked up to Mr. Kumar and whispered something to him.

Mr. Ananth Kumar announced that the Centre would provide Rs. 2 crores - Rs. 1 crore for further improvement of the building and Rs. 1 crore for spread of works of Dr. Ambedkar through Internet. However, he left the podium only after delivering a punch-line: ``Dr. Ambedkar himself has asked us to stay committed to our goals despite opposition and protests. So, our Government and I are committed to our stand (to review the Constitution).''

Mr. Krishna said towards the end of his speech: ``I cannot conclude my speech without making a comment. We must protect the Constitution created after a great effort by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. We need not spoil it in the name of making it more beautiful. Rather, we should see how to implement its provisions and take them to the people.''

The Governor mentioned that she had had a discussion about the review of the Constitution recently with the review panel chairman, Mr. Justice Venkatachalaiah. The latter had assured her that the basic structure, especially the provision for reservation, would remain unchanged. ``Rest assured that nothing will happen,'' she told the audience.

Mr. Balayogi said the ideas and ideals of Dr. Ambedkar were relevant today as they were in his time. He was sorry that members of the depressed classes still ``find their path full of obstacles. ''Although the law has put all sections of society on an equal footing, we cannot ignore the fact that law alone cannot achieve everything.`` It was through an attitudinal change that a meaningful social equality could be brought about.

Mr. Kagodu Thimmappa, Minister for Social Welfare, who welcomed the gathering, said that it had been proposed to take the task of recording all major events across the globe at the bhavan besides taking up research activities. He sought financial assistance from the Centre. The bhavan would have a museum on Dr. Ambedkar's life and achievements.

Earlier, Mr. Ananth Kumar unveiled a portrait of Dr. Ambedkar. Mr. V. Srinivas Prasad, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, spoke. Mr. Baburao Chavan, Minister of State for Social Welfare, proposed a vote of thanks.

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Section  : Regional
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