State-level Seminar on “Constitution of India and N. Rachaiah’s Life and Mission

Mysuru:  “Former Minister N. Rachaiah was a visionary who introduced several programmes not only for the welfare of the Dalit community but also keeping the interest of the country and the State in mind,” said State Chief Information Commissioner L. Krishnamurthy.

He was speaking after inaugurating a one-day State-level Seminar on “Constitution of India and N. Rachaiah’s Life and Mission” on the occasion of Constitution Day organised by the Department of Studies in Political Science as part of N. Rachaiah Chair at the Vijnana Bhavan, Manasagangothri, here recently.

“Rachaiah’s dream was to see that the Dalit community had the opportunity to be educated. He tried his best in all respects to fulfil that dream. He established many hostels for Dalit students. The schemes which the present-day governments are implementing are all due to the vision of Rachaiah,” he recalled.

Rachaiah had great concern for the downtrodden and he fought against the oppression of the people of the upper caste. He never hesitated to take a strong stand against social injustice, said Krishnamurthy and added that Rachaiah gave priority to agriculture and started an Agriculture College in Hebbal.

Dr. D. Thimmaiah, recalling the contributions of Rachaiah, said: “He started his political career as the Vice-President of the Municipality in 1950. He became a member of Lok Sabha in 1952 and came in contact with Babu Jagjivan Ram and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In 1958, he entered Vidhana Soudha and raised his voice in favour of Scheduled Castes and Tribes.”

Information Commissioner N.P. Ramesh, MLC and Rachaiah’s son R. Dharmasena, Department of Studies in Political Science Chairman Dr. Krishna Hombal, N. Rachaiah Chair Visiting Professor Prof. H.M. Rajashekara and others were present.