Mysuru: Chamaraja MLA K Harishgowda Sunday highlighted the contributions of former deputy prime minister Babu Jagjivan Ram to nation-building and the welfare of the people.Speaking after presiding over Jagjivan Ram’s 119th birth anniversary celebrations at Kalamandir, Harishgowda said Jagjivan Ram had successfully handled key Union ministries, including defence and agriculture, before becoming deputy prime minister. The event was jointly organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, Mysuru City Corporation, department of social welfare, and Dr BR Ambedkar and Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram associations.The MLA said the state govt has successfully implemented schemes and programmes aimed at empowering Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other vulnerable sections. He urged weaker sections to prioritise education to enter the social mainstream and called on both boys and girls to give equal importance to higher education.MLC D Thimmaiah, who inaugurated the event, spoke about Jagjivan Ram’s efforts to promote inter-caste marriages and to build an equal, discrimination-free society. He said Jagjivan Ram worked with Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle to liberate the country from colonial rule.Recalling his tenure as Union minister, Thimmaiah said Jagjivan Ram helped create 10 lakh jobs in the railways, focused on food security through agricultural initiatives, opened post offices across the country, and served in several capacities for the betterment of the nation.MLC CN Manjegowda, deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, ZP CEO S Ukeshkumar, Mysuru City Corporation commissioner Sheikh Tanveer Asif, SP Mallikarjuna Baladandi and joint director of social welfare Rangegowda were present.
