Mysore/Mysuru: Former Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, on Monday, laid the foundation stone for a Library, Museum and Dalit Documentation Centre at the University of Mysore’s (UoM) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre at Manasagangothri here. The Centre will house and conserve various reports on Reservations, Commissions, Dalit movements, socio-economic and political empowerment of Dalits. It will also document those who dedicated their lives to Dalit movements and struggles.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahadevappa  blamed liberalisation and privatisation for the gradual decline of the social justice system in our country. Claiming that economy, employment and rural development had taken a beating in recent years, he alleged that people who don’t know history are now in a race to create a history of destruction. 

Expressing concern that the country is fast losing Gandhian and Dr. Ambedkar ideals, he alleged that most of the media houses are acting under the influence of corporates. He further said that youth can play a key role  in saving democracy, at a time when it is facing threat from all quarters.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research  and Extension Centre Director Prof. J. Somasekhar said that the building is coming up at a cost of Rs. 4 crore. The building will have ground plus two floors. The Social Welfare Department has sanctioned Rs. 3 crore and the University and the Government will be appealed for releasing the remaining one crore, he said.

Chamarajanagar’s Nalanda Buddha Vihar’s Banthe Bodhidatta, UoM VC Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, Registrar Prof. R. Shivappa, Social Welfare Department Joint Director N. Muniraju and others were present.