JAYASHREE AWARD PRESENTED TO ARCHIVIST BIRADAR

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda
presented the Jayashree award to
noted Archivist Dr G.A. Biradar

BANGALORE October 11: Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda presented the Jayashree Award, instituted by Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi to Archivist Dr. G.A. Biradar at Gandhi Bhavan here.

   The award is presented for his book in English ‘Mahatma Gandhi’s Campaign Against Untouchability in Karnataka’. The Trust presents this award for the best book published during that year relating to Gandhi, Vinoba or National importance.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution to the nation and said his path of non-violence is the need of the hour.

Prior to the award presenting ceremony, Mahatma Gandhi’s followers took out an ‘Awareness Rally’ from M G Road to Gandhi Bhavan.

The awardee:

Dr. G.A. Biradar is working as an Archivist, at National Archives of India, New Delhi. Having a Masters Degree in History from Gulbarga University Dr. Biradar has published many research books including ‘Mumbai Karnatakadalli Savinaya Kanoonubhanga Chalavali’ {Abhiruchi Prakashan},  ‘Karnatakada Sardar Patel- Channabasappa Ambli’ {Udaya Prakashan}, ‘Karnataka Bhushana-Srinivas Rao Kowjalgi’ etc                                        

“The Book is most important intervention into debates about the history of the social reform of caste, and of untouchablity. The book focuses on the little known episode of untouchability reform during the anti-colonial period in Karnataka region, an area with a long history of anti-caste protest dating back to Basavanna. Dr. Biradar deftly draws on previously unknown archival materials to shed new light on the development of the anti-untouchability movement in Karnataka, and reveals Gandhi's signal role in the development of the movement in this region. The book thus brings an understudied region within the purview of Gandhian politics, caste history, and the history of anticolonialism more broadly", opine critics. Based on his scholarly study and field experience Biradar has discussed the issue in considerable details, in the region including Davangeri, Sandur, Bellary, Bombay presidency. He has attempted a balanced view through an analysis of legislation and people's opinions, including administrators’ and judges’. Based upon his analytical survey, his field study and scholarly study, he has justified Mahatma Gandhi's campaign against untouchability in Karnataka, the fruits of which are very much seen in the remote corners in villages and towns of not only Karnataka, but the whole country, in the shape of legislative measures, administrative action towards people's welfare, and well-being; mass awakening, popular will and support.

  The book is an exemplary work of documentary nature providing the researchers working in Polity and History, Socio-Economic System, Human Rights and Ethics etc. with the primary data. The entire fabric of book is being dealt pursuance to upliftment of Harijan, empowerment of women and weaker section.  

It would have most useful book to students, children, academicians, working institutions and research scholars all over the world.  It gives  immaculate focus on how Mahatma Gandhi’s Campaign against Untouchability in Karnataka being led to non-violence freedom struggle.

   The author has made highest attempt to attain objective goal by defining social evils-psychology of different people, section, religious orthodox, drafting the law, enactment, implementation, over ever trodden path of Indian Soil.     

Courtesy: Evening Times, English Eveninger