166th birth anniversary of Kudmul Ranga Rao observed
They offered floral tributes at his memorial located at Babugudda in Attavar.
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta offered his tribute to the reformer who ushered in an era of a strong yet gentle social revolution in the region. Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath said that Ranga Rao, born into a Saraswat Brahmin family, dedicated his entire life to the uplift of the oppressed and was a great humanitarian. He firmly believed that Dalits, like everyone else, must live with dignity and self-respect.
Despite opposition, he opened schools to ensure that Dalits could access quality education and rise to leadership roles in society. He fought against untouchability and exploitation, and even Mahatma Gandhi considered him a guru.
Kamath also noted that during the BJP's tenure, Kudmul Ranga Rao's birth anniversary was celebrated every year through the Mangaluru City Corporation and district administration, with specific funds earmarked for the occasion.
However, he criticised the current Congress-led state govt for completely neglecting this observance, calling it condemnable.
He added that Dalit communities have expressed their disappointment over the govt's failure to commemorate the birth anniversary of such a visionary who dedicated his life to their progress. He further pointed out that under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana during BJP rule, a foundation stone was laid for the upgradation of the memorial at a cost of around Rs 3.5 crore, but the Congress govt halted the project after coming to power.
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