Newly-nominated Rajya Sabha MP and academician Narendra Jadhav today embarked on a country-wide yatra to propagate the thoughts of social reformer B R Ambedkar on establishing an egalitarian society.
Jadhav's "Ambedkar Vichar Yatra" comes at a time when the Centre and all the states are celebrating 125th birth anniversary year of the Dalit icon and chief architect of the Constitution.
"I am delighted to announce that from today, I am launching 'Ambedkar Vichar Yatra' during which I would be visiting at least 7-8 states.
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"I would be delivering 125 lectures marking 125th birth anniversary of Babasaheb, highlighting his contributions in development of the nation, mainly to students in colleges and universities," he said here.
"I would try to end the yatra in Mumbai, where I would share my experiences and thoughts with the people and press," the 63-year-old economist said.
Jadhav said his yatra would be completely "apolitical" and focus only on social issues raised by Ambedkar, who strove for an egalitarian society.
"I plan to end my yatra on October 14," said the Dalit scholar, who has written 21 books on Ambedkar.
He said, "PR department of BMC (Mumbai's civic body) has done an exemplary job by coming out with a coffee table book on Dr B R Ambedkar in Marathi. But this needs to be translated in English also to enhance its reach."
The former Vice-Chancellor of Pune University said the demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar here in June was an "unpardonable mistake".
Replying to a query, he said, "There is no need to bring amendment in the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. All provisions have been meticulously incorporated to protect Dalits. And if these provisions are being misused, recourse is available in the Act itself.
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