Mysuru, Oct. 8 (PM&BCT)- Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar stressed the need to back Addanda C. Cariappa in his bold pursuit to uncover historical truths. “We must all take part in presenting factual history to the public,” he said.

He was speaking at the launch of Cariappa’s book ‘Nijamahatma Babasaheba’ held at Mini Theatre in Kalamandira premises last evening.

The event was jointly organised by Akhila Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad, Mysuru and Rangabhoomi Trust, Kodagu.

“This is a commendable initiative by Cariappa,” Yaduveer noted. “Post-independence Indian history has largely been controlled by one dominant group, and we’ve been reading only that version. Textbooks tell us that after the Quit India Movement, the British agreed to grant independence and that peace followed. But the truth was far more complex. Many great individuals played key roles in achieving freedom.”

He underscored Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vital contribution to the freedom struggle, lamenting that his efforts were long neglected. “Dr. Ambedkar was a brilliant economist, yet he was denied the finance portfolio. The Congress and Nehru committed a grave injustice against him,” Yaduveer remarked.

Mysore inspired Dr. Ambedkar: Though Dr. Ambedkar never visited the Mysore Princely State, its progressive governance deeply influenced his vision. As early as 1918, Mysore had introduced reservation policies and model administrative reforms. These measures greatly inspired Dr. Ambedkar while drafting the Constitution. Mysore’s royal court also ensured social inclusion by opening its doors to Dalits and all communities — a move Dr. Ambedkar had praised, particularly under Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s rule.

Theatre as a medium of truth: Social activist Vadiraj described theatre as a powerful means of social expression. “Writing and staging plays is a demanding task. Cariappa has taken this challenging path and gone further by authoring a book based on his play — a rare achievement,” he said.

Through this work, Cariappa sheds light on forgotten historical truths and overlooked personalities.

The play, structured in seven acts, revolves around a dialogue between Dr. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi — forming the core of the drama. It challenges the moral authority of the Congress under Gandhi, which accused the British of enslaving Indians even as untouchability persisted within India. Dr. Ambedkar had raised this moral dilemma before the Simon Commission, which was tasked with framing India’s roadmap to independence.

Earlier, tributes were paid to the late Kannada novelist Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa and writer Mogalli Ganesh by Prof. B.V. Vasanthakumar. A minute’s silence was observed in their memory.

The event was attended by RSS leader M. Venkataram, Dr. N. Chandrashekar of Aadithya Adhikari Hospital, Akhila Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad Zonal Head Dr. V. Ranganath, Parishad Mysuru District President S. Subrahmanya, Rangabhoomi Trust (Kodagu) Secretary Anitha Cariappa and former Rangayana Director and author Addanda C. Cariappa, among others.