Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told a crowd in Mysuru that real change in a rigid society requires the wisdom of Buddha, Basavanna and Dr. Ambedkar to reach more people. He made the comments during the launch of the International Buddhist Cultural Confluence “Buddha Mahasammelana and Journey of Human Fraternity 2025,” held at the Maharaja’s College Grounds. The event brought together the Karnataka State Bhikshu Association, several Buddhist groups, Ambedkarite organisations and Vishvamaitri Buddha Vihara.
Siddaramaiah urged the state to embrace tolerance and coexistence. “Inequality happens when not everyone gets a fair shot,” he said. “Ambedkar once wrote that equality can only come when every person has social and economic strength.” He added that peace and non‑violence flourish when people accept other religions.
The CM highlighted Karnataka’s role in implementing the SCSP/TSP Act – a scheme that has been adopted only in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He praised the state’s Rs 42,000 crore allocation for this programme and explained that the government introduced reservations in public‑sector contracts and, after a committee report, added reservations to promotions despite a Supreme Court ruling. “Every poor person must earn an income,” Siddaramaiah reiterated.
Key social and economic programmes helped break barriers, the CM shared. The Shakti scheme encouraged women’s participation in temple visits, where, according to him, 70 % of nine lakh devotees in a single day were women. The guarantee schemes now give each family Rs 4,000‑5,000 per month.
“Education, organisation and struggle are Ambedkar’s pillars for social change,” Siddaramaiah said. He reminded listeners of the caste system’s persistence, blaming “conspiracy of certain Manuists” for hindering progress. He also noted that the ministry had received a letter from Minister Priyanka Kharge requesting limits on NGOs operating in public spaces. The CM said the Chief Secretary would report on steps taken in Tamil Nadu.
Siddaramaiah stressed that an ageing society needs economic empowerment to stay vibrant. He cited Ambedkar’s message that no single caste should dominate and that every group must be treated as equal. “A stagnant society needs revitalisation through economic empowerment,” the CM said, encouraging people to continue fighting for equality.
In short, the Karnataka Chief Minister called on the teachings of Buddha, Basavanna and Ambedkar to guide the state toward a fairer, more tolerant future, while pointing to concrete policies that uplift the poor, empower women and break caste barriers.
Source: ianslive
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