Mysuru: The book titled ‘Doctor Saheb,’ exploring the life, philosophy and socialist vision of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, was released at an event held at RamaGovinda Rangamandira in Ramakrishnanagar recently highlighting the continued relevance of his ideas. 

Releasing the book, renowned poet Prof. C. Sarvamangala said, the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Lohia were essential to building an egalitarian society. She stressed the need to introduce these ideas to students and younger generations.  

Referring to the Seven Revolutions, she highlighted gender equality, the abolition of caste discrimination, economic justice and individual freedom. She also emphasised the concept of ‘Roti and Beti’ (inter-dining and inter-caste marriage) as a means of breaking caste barriers. 

In his introductory address, Dr. Nataraj Huliyar, author of ‘Doctor Saheb,’ spoke about the socialist leader’s political struggles and philosophy. He highlighted the proposal for 60 percent reservation for backward communities, women and minorities, his criticism of Nehru’s policies and the significance of the political alliance that could have developed between him and Dr. Ambedkar. 

Presiding over the programme, noted advocate and cultural thinker Prof. Ravivarma Kumar spoke about his influence on Karnataka’s social, political and literary movements. Recalling his support for tenant farmers during the Kagodu Satyagraha, he highlighted the demand for land reforms and the principle of ‘Land to the Tiller.’ 

He also referred to the influence of these ideas on prominent Kannada writers and activists, including K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi, Dr. U.R. Ananthamurthy, P. Lankesh, K.V. Subbanna, Shantaveri Gopal Gowda and M.D. Nanjundaswamy. 

The speakers noted that the ideals of equality, liberty and social justice remain relevant to contemporary society & building of an inclusive democracy. 

The programme was attended by Dr. Swami Anand of the Ram Manohar Lohia Trust, Y. Mahesh, retired Police Officer Arakesh, Prof. Kalegowda Nagavara, Prof. Kalachenne Gowda, farmer activists Baragalapura Nagendra and Hoskote Basavaraj, Dr. Janardhan (Jenni), Srinivas Palahalli of Nirantara, along with several theatre practitioners, progressive thinkers and literature enthusiasts.