Mysore/Mysuru: Progressive thinker Prof. Kalegowda Nagavara said steps must be taken to prevent the spread of unhealthy thoughts by communal forces if everyone in the country is to live peacefully in a pluralistic society.

He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar on ‘Communal Forces Destabilising Pluralist India and the Constitution,’ organised by the District Committee of Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (Composite) as part of the 135th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the Institution of Engineers-India (IEI), Mysuru Centre, on Friday.

Prof. Nagavara alleged that those advocating Sanatana Dharma were spreading unhealthy thoughts in different forms across society. “If such tendencies are tolerated without questioning, the dangers cannot be averted. New ways must be found to deal with the situation,” he said.

He called upon the younger generation to cultivate the habit of questioning injustice instead of silently accepting it, adding that such an attitude could help reduce exploitation to some extent.

Referring to Dr. Ambedkar’s demand for separate electorates, he said Mahatma Gandhi had gone on a hunger strike opposing the move. “Gandhiji claimed to be the foster son of Dalits, but Ambedkar replied that he himself was their son. As a foster son, Gandhiji understood the suffering of Dalits only later,” he said.

Advising people to imbibe Buddhist values for a better life, he stressed the need to strengthen educational institutions and promote them as the “new temples.”

“Though the practice of carrying night soil has been abolished, untouchability continues. The ultimate goal should be equality and brotherhood,” he claimed.

He also criticised the Government for delaying celebrations of the birth anniversary of former Minister B. Basavalingappa, whom he described as a true successor to Dr. Ambedkar.

DSS State Coordinator V. Nagaraj presided. Progressive thinker N. Divakar, leaders H.N. Annaiah, Dr. K.P. Mahalingu Kalkunda, Varahalli Anand, Shivanna Kandegala, Karya Basavanna and others were present.