Mandya: The construction of the Babu Jagjivan Ram Bhavan in Mandya district will commence with an estimated cost of Rs 3.8 crore, announced district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy.
Speaking during the birth anniversary celebration of Babu Jagjivan Ram at Dr BR Ambedkar Bhavan, he assured that if there is a shortage of funds, additional grants will be sought to ensure the project's completion. The event, organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, department of social welfare, urban municipality, and Kannada and culture department, focused on honouring the contributions of Babu Jagjivan Ram.
The minister highlighted the importance of educating the youth about the leaders who shaped India's development. He recalled that in 1935, Babu Jagjivan Ram fought against untouchability. Ram served as a Union minister for over three decades and later as deputy PM of India, consistently advocating for the uplift of marginalised communities.
Cheluvarayaswamy emphasised that Babu Jagjivan Ram was a national leader, celebrated for his contributions to all sections of society, similar to other eminent figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, BR Ambedkar, and Mahatma Gandhi. The minister further reaffirmed that India remains a secular nation, as echoed by these great leaders. He stressed that understanding the administration's role in progress is essential for national development.
Ravikumar, MLA of Mandya, spoke about Babu Jagjivan Ram's vital role during the Bangladesh Liberation War, where he alleviated food shortages by distributing grain from govt and private stores. The event also honoured the achievements of individuals across various fields and recognised the winners of debate and essay competitions held in memory of Babu Jagjivan Ram.