Amid the vedic chants recited by Hindu priests, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today performed Bhumi Puja for the erection of tallest statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on the occasion of 125 birth anniversary of the architect of Indian constitution.
The 125-ft tall bronze statue will come up in a place adjoining NTR Gardens near Telangana secretariat. Breaking auspicious coconut, chief minister Rao performed the puja, accompanied by union labor minister Bandaru Dattatreyan, deputy chief ministers Kadiyam Srihari, Mahmood Ali and many cabinet minister.
He said the tallest statue should look like kissing the sky.
Defending the venue near NTR gardens, which was alleged by the TDP as an attempt to marginalize the NTR memorial, the chief minister said the location was carefully chosen. ” There is Buddha statue in front of secretariat. As Ambedkar embraced Buddhism , it is proper to place him after Buddha. The secretariat comes after Amdedkar. This is the thought that has gone into the selection of the place, ” he said.The statue will be unveiled on 126 birth anniversary of Ambedkar on April 14, 2017.
Earlier, to the accompaniment of similar Hindu ritual, the CM laid foundation stone for Centre for Dalit Studies. And he government will also build a 15-floor BR Ambedkar tower overlooking Hussain Sagar.
Addressing the gathering, KCR said Amdedkar was the inspiration for the separate Telangana movement and Telangana would not have become a reality if Ambedkar was not there in constituent Assembly.”The note, Dr Ambedkar submitted to Constituent Assembly on who should have the powers to create new states clearly defended that that the centre should wield the power to divide the state against the stronger forces in the states. Amdedkar visualized that backward regions might not be allowed to become separate states if the power was vested with the states which are ruled by stronger forces,” he said. Stating that this provision strengthened the Telangana resolve to become a separate, the the CM added, Telangana state was indebted to Ambedkar a lot.
Announcing a bonanza for the SCs and STs, without thinking of the cost involved, the CM said the government had decided to set up 250 residential schools and colleges for the weaker sections from June.
Of them, 100 residential schools are meant for boys. 25 residential degree colleges will be set up exclusively for SC women while five will be started for men. Another 50 residential schools for ST boys will also be set up in the state while minorities will get 70 separate residential school. All these 250 institutions will commence working from this year itself, the CM assured.
“Engineering graduates from SC will be trained in undertaking of government contracts. All equipment will be provided by the state government. This is meant to enhance the employability of SC youth, ” he said.
