Speaker U.T. Khader Directs Social Welfare Dept. to Provide Constitution Copies in Hostels and Colleges
The initiative aims to encourage students to read and understand the Constitution.
Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader has instructed the Social Welfare Department to ensure that copies of the Constitution are available in all student hostels and government college libraries across Dakshina Kannada district. He said the move would help students better understand their rights and responsibilities.
Khader was speaking after inaugurating the Constitution Day programme at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan in Urwa Stores on Wednesday. The event began with a floral tribute to Ambedkar’s portrait.
“Only those who understand history can create history. To shape the future, one must first learn the past,” he said, urging students to read the Constitution thoroughly. He noted that the rights guaranteed by the Constitution empower farmers, labourers, women, weaker sections, and students to move freely from Kanyakumari to Kashmir without fear. “Understanding these rights and using them responsibly is vital for the nation’s progress,” he added.
Khader stressed that the country’s growth depends on governance rooted in constitutional values, regardless of which party is in power. He encouraged students to read the works of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar along with the Constitution, saying this would help them become responsible citizens. “Many educated people today fall into corruption or extremism because they were never exposed to these important texts,” he said.
On freedom of speech, Khader reminded the audience that it must not be misused. “Irresponsible statements create unnecessary problems. If our words and actions reflect national interest, India can lead the world,” he said.
The Constitution Day celebrations, organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, Mangaluru City Corporation and the Social Welfare Department, also featured prize distributions for winners of speech, drawing, and photography competitions at the taluk and district levels.
Earlier, a ‘Constitution Jatha’ was held from the Zilla Panchayat office to Ambedkar Bhavan, with students dressed as Bharat Mata, Ambedkar holding the Constitution, Mahatma Gandhi, and other freedom fighters.
ZP CEO Vinayak Narawade, Tulu Sahitya Academy president Taranath Gatti, Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi Arya, and Gokarnanath College Principal Raghuraj Kadri were present. The programme opened with Additional Deputy Commissioner Raju administering the preamble oath, followed by a welcome address from Social Welfare Department Deputy Director Dr. Hemalatha.
