Provide Constitution copies in hostels and college libraries: Speaker U.T. Khader directs Social Welfare Department

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 26, 2025: Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader has directed the Social Welfare Department to ensure that copies of the Constitution are made available in all student hostels and government college libraries across the district, encouraging students to read and understand it.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Constitution Day programme at Dr B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan in Urwa Stores on Wednesday, following a floral tribute to Ambedkar’s portrait.

“Only those who understand history can create history. To build a personality capable of shaping history, one must first learn it,” he said.
He added that the rights enshrined in the Constitution allow farmers, the poor, workers, women, the underprivileged, and students to move freely from Kanyakumari to Kashmir without fear. “It is important to understand these rights and use them responsibly for the good of society and the nation. For this, learning the Constitution is essential,” he said.

Khader noted that irrespective of which government is in power, the country will grow stronger if governance aligns with constitutional principles. Reading Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar along with the Constitution will help students become responsible citizens, he said.
“Today, many highly educated people are involved in corruption and extremism. This is because they were never given the opportunity to read the works of these great leaders or the Constitution,” he remarked.

He cautioned that freedom of speech does not mean speaking irresponsibly. “Irresponsible statements create problems, and we waste time trying to resolve them. If our words and actions align with national interest, India can lead the world. It is our responsibility to act accordingly,” he advised students and officials present.

As part of Constitution Day celebrations organised jointly by the district administration, zilla panchayat, Mangaluru City Corporation and Social Welfare Department, prizes were distributed to winners of speech, drawing and photography competitions held at the taluk and district levels.

Before the formal event, a ‘Constitution Jatha’ was taken out from the Zilla Panchayat premises to Ambedkar Bhavan. Students participated dressed as Bharat Mata, Ambedkar holding the Constitution, Mahatma Gandhi, and other prominent 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 began with Additional Deputy Commissioner Raju administering the Constitution preamble oath. Social Welfare Department Deputy Director Dr Hemalatha welcomed the gathering.