Leaders and residents of Shahabad gathered in the village of Tonasanhalli (S) on Thursday for the unveiling of a statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution and a lifelong campaigner for social reform. The ceremony drew local officials, religious figures and community members who urged citizens to move beyond ceremonial tribute and adopt Ambedkar’s values in daily life.
Ambedkar statue unveiling calls for living his legacy
Dasamsa state organisational director Mariyappa Halli opened the event by praising Ambedkar’s persistent fight against entrenched and unscientific social practices. “From his birth until his final breath, Dr B.R. Ambedkar fought to alter unjust systems and bring meaningful change to our nation,” he said, urging people to study Ambedkar’s life and follow his example rather than merely performing ritual homage.
Halli observed that while the presence of Ambedkar’s followers is visible in society, few emulate his conduct and commitment. “We need citizens who will live for the nation and society as Babasaheb did,” he said, calling for action that reflects Ambedkar’s principles in social justice and equality.
The ceremony included addresses from a range of local leaders. Former Zilla Panchayat member Shivananda Patil Maratoor spoke on the importance of remembering Ambedkar’s contributions to democratic institutions. Village panchayat president Muttamma Shivaraya Maratoor chaired the proceedings, and KADA president Dr M.A. Rasheed led the flag hoisting.
Tahsildar Neelaprabha Babalad, the Buddhist vihara representative Varajyoti Bhanteji from Anandur, and Dr Mallanappa Mahaswamiji of the Allamaprabhu institution also addressed the gathering. They emphasised the need for education about Ambedkar’s life and advocacy for equal rights, rather than restricting respect to images and statues.
Local civic leaders and officials who attended included Basavaraj Bennur, Mallappa Hosamani, municipal commissioner K. Guralingappa, taluk planning officer Mallinath Ravoor, Kottalappa Mutya, Ajitkumar Patil, Appugauda Tarnalli, PDO Ningappa Kembhavi, Mallanna Maratoor and Gram Panchayat president Yallalinga Haiyyalkar. Many village council members and residents joined the event, reflecting a community-wide engagement with the message.
Organisers said the unveiling ceremony was intended not only as a mark of respect but also as a prompt for civic reflection. Speakers appealed to younger generations to learn from Ambedkar’s life, to challenge discriminatory practices, and to engage constructively in public life. The event combined civic ritual with calls for social action, signalling local commitment to the values Ambedkar promoted.
The Ambedkar statue unveiling in Shahabad underscored a recurring theme in local commemorations across India: visible symbols of respect must be matched by changes in behaviour, policy and community relations. Attendees left the event urging one another to translate admiration into action and to ensure that Ambedkar’s vision for equality continues to guide local governance and social interaction.
Key Takeaways:
- Community leaders in Shahabad, India, unveiled a statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, calling for active commitment to his reforms.
- The Ambedkar statue unveiling highlighted the need to study his life rather than limit homage to rituals.
- Speakers across civic and religious institutions urged local residents to adopt Ambedkar’s values in public life.
