‘Democracy will be strong only when the younger generation remains watchful’

“The main objective of the Constitution and democracy is to bring equality to all in society. Citizens are the soul of democracy. And, democracy will remain strong only when the younger generation remains watchful,” Labour Minister and Dharwad district in-charge Santosh Lad has said.

He was inaugurating a programme as part of International Day of Democracy organised jointly by the district administration, zilla panchayat and Social Welfare Department on the Karnatak College Grounds in Dharwad on Monday.

“The concept of reservation has been brought to ensure socio, economic and educational equality and also to provide equal opportunities to all. Those who believe in democracy are strengthening it. And, only through education, democracy will continue to exist and the youth will have a bigger responsibility of saving democracy,” he said.

The Minister said that the Constitution has given members of all community, caste and creed the right to live and equal opportunity. B.R. Ambedkar should not be restricted to a particular community or system. Instead, his liberal views should be adopted in daily life apart from remembering his contribution, he said.

The Minister also emphasised the need for everyone to join hands in the fight against drug abuse and create a drug-free society.

Presiding over the programme, he spoke about the significance of the day and called on women to utilise the equal opportunity provided to them under the Constitution to achieve development.

B.R. Ambedkar laid a strong foundation for democracy through the Constitution and everyone should adhere to and follow the democratic principles, he added.

IAS Probationary Officer Ritika Verma spoke. Urban Development Authority chairman Shakir Sanadi, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhuvanesh Patil, Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya and others were present.

Earlier, the Preamble of the Constitution was administered to the participants and students spoke on democracy. The winners of various competitions were given prizes and certificates.

Students from schools and colleges took out a bicycle rally as part of Democracy Day. They also held placards and raised slogans highlighting the significance of democracy. The bicycle rally started at KCD Circle and concluded at R.N. Shetty District Stadium after covering the thoroughfares of the city.