Stand up against disparity of all kinds to pay true homage to Ambedkar: CM

Taekwondo star Sabina Sundas being felicitated.

Felicitation for social worker Maya Sherpa

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 14 April: The Chief Minister today stressed that people should work collectively for the betterment of the suppressed sections of the society if they wish to extend real homage to Dr. Ambedkar. Taking inspiration from his life and ideals is the only genuine tribute, not just gathering and offering garlands to his statues, he said, while reiterating that the people should collaborate efforts to end disparity of all kinds from the society.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the 120th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr Bhimji Rao Ambedkar at the Sikkim Legislative Assembly complex today.
While on the theme, the CM highlighted that some sections were still trying to suppress the people in the name of religion and on communal grounds. On the same, he urged the people at large to stand up to such conspiracies by following the true principles of Dr. Ambedkar.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the intellectuals of the State should find the moral courage to appreciate the positive developmental activities of the Government and criticize what they saw as going wrong in Sikkim.
“But we have a weak civil society which does not react to any issue. It is important to think seriously, to evaluate the state’s position and progress by comparing it to other states of the country,” he said.
Mr Chamling further pointed out that even some youth were being swayed by rumours, not being allowed to frame their own opinions on any issue. To the young he appealed to first understand issues from all perspectives before forming any opinion.
“There are many youth commenting on the state on the internet, constantly running down the State and denigrating me, the elected Chief Minister of the people, which appears to have become their one-point agenda. What they forget is that such action does not defame the state government or me alone, but also gives a negative impression and sends out the wrong message on Sikkim,” he stressed.
The Chief Minister added that it was the responsibility of the intellectuals and the youth to project the right opinion and views and not just succumbing to partisan considerations and misguiding the people.
He added that Sikkim has given equal opportunity and security to its people to increase their power and ability to use the rights and opportunities provided by the Constitution.
“I want every Scheduled Caste person to break free of the reservation regime. Remaining limited to reservation handicaps them; they should move forward by changing their mindset and express themselves as equal citizens of the country,” he stressed.
He also reminded the gathering that his government was the first to declare a State Holiday on the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar and also named the District Administration Road as Baba Ambedkar Road. The day’s function was held in the SLA where a statue of Dr Ambedkar stands.
He also reminded that his government has also set up an Atrocity Redressal Court in the service of the minorities and also provided 7% reservation in panchayats and government jobs for the SC community and even appointed SC Ministers to the Cabinet.
“The state has just 6% Scheduled Caste population but my government provided 7% reservation but nobody is appreciating this, even as some youth from the community criticize us of not doing anything for them,” he expressed.
On the same, Mr Chamling added that this section was using other members of the community as toeholds to fulfil their personal ambitions and were not sincere towards community welfare. This, he added, was true for other communities as well.
He further asked such groups to first establish what they have contributed towards their respective communities and urged them to become more constructive and creative and not just negative in all their responses.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated Sabina Sundas, Draupadi Ghimirey and Bishnu Maya Sherpa with Certificates of Appreciation for their achievements and contributions towards the state and the people here.
Sabina was felicitated for her achievements in Taekwondo in national and international tournaments, while Ms Ghimirey and Ms Sherpa were feted for their social work.
The Chief Minister also released a souvenir publication, ‘Bhim Chetna’, today.
The celebration started earlier with welcome address by the chairman of the celebration committee, BB Lohar, and concluded with a vote of thanks propsed by Jagar Lohar.
The function was also attended by the Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen, as the guest of honour, along with the Ministers, MLAs, Mayor and his councillors, government officials, local gentry and students.