Ambedkar dedicated his life to unite Hindus: Mohan Bhagwat
Kanpur, Apr 14 (PTI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday praised Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar for his "lifelong efforts to unite Hindus", saying despite facing hardships since childhood, he remained committed to social harmony and national development.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed four-storey RSS regional office 'Keshav Bhawan' in Kanpur's Karavalo Nagar, Bhagwat said, "Babasaheb had to face severe hardships in his life. From childhood, he faced discrimination and inequality.
"Yet, throughout his life, he tried to bring the Hindu society together. His commitment to social unity and progress is an inspiration to all," he said.
In his address, Bhagwat also drew parallels between Ambedkar and RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, stating that both men devoted their lives to the upliftment of society and shared a vision of national development.
"Both Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Hedgewar worked for the Hindu society throughout their lives. They dreamed of a strong and developed India," Bhagwat said.
He called it a privilege that the inauguration of the RSS's new building coincided with Ambedkar Jayanti.
"It is our good fortune that today, on Babasaheb's birth anniversary, we are inaugurating Keshav Bhawan. When Dr Ambedkar once attended a Sangh shakha in Karad, Maharashtra, he said, 'there may be differences on certain matters, but I feel a sense of belonging here'," Bhagwat recalled.
Underscoring the responsibilities of those who identify as Hindus, the RSS chief remarked, "Those who call themselves Hindus are accountable for the country and for society. One day, they will be asked what they did for India. The Hindu society must prepare for this responsibility. The Sangh is fulfilling its duty towards the nation through its work."
Reflecting on India's historical struggles, Bhagwat said, "We got entangled in our internal differences, and foreign invaders took advantage of this. They looted us and even defeated us. The mission of the Sangh is to serve society and restore unity."
During the ceremony, Bhagwat performed a traditional ritual to inaugurate Keshav Bhawan, which is now the biggest RSS office in Uttar Pradesh. The building has a basement, a ground floor, and three upper stories. A hall inside has been named after Dr Ambedkar in recognition of his contributions.
The new complex brings all RSS functions in Kanpur under one roof for the first time. It features a large meeting hall on the ground floor, rooms for officials and guests on the upper floors, and a dormitory for 'swayamsevaks' (RSS workers) with dining arrangements on the top floor. The building has been painted using eco-friendly paint made from cow dung.
The RSS office in Kanpur was first established in 1978 in a rented property in Gandhi Nagar. Bhagwat is the first RSS sarsanghchalak to spend a night at the new Keshav Bhawan.
Elaborate security arrangements were in place during Bhagwat's five-day visit to Kanpur. Police personnel were deployed around the premises, with entry restricted to listed individuals and pass holders.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
