Tributes paid to Jagjivan Ram

Guntur: Andhra Pradesh SC commission chairman K Samuel Jawahar called upon everyone to take Babu Jagjivan Ram as an ideal in ensuring that reservation benefits reach all eligible sections.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the Jagjivan Ram Jayanti celebrations organised at Acharya Nagarjuna University on Wednesday.

He paid floral tributes to the portrait and statue of Jagjivan Ram. He expressed concern that caste discrimination still persists in society. He cited instances where even a person holding the position of SC Commission chairman was denied services due to caste, and noted that caste-based segregation continues in some places.

He recalled that former Chief Minister NT Rama Rao abolished the Patel and Patwari systems to eliminate feudal dominance and inequality, but observed that the objective had not been fully achieved. Jawahar pointed out that even after 75 years, many people are yet to fully benefit from reservation policies.

Vice-Chancellor Acharya K Gangadhara Rao said that the services and reforms introduced by Babu Jagjivan Ram for the upliftment of marginalised communities are exemplary and continue to inspire generations. Acharya PJ Ratnakar was also present.