Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced concern over the growing trend of casteism among educated individuals and condemned those who perpetuate caste inequality, attributing the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi to such forces. Speaking at an international seminar titled 'Mahatma Gandhi for the 21st Century' at Gandhi Bhavan in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah highlighted the tragic irony of educated people embracing casteist views, given that the caste system historically denied many access to education.

Siddaramaiah emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi's principles of peace, truth, justice, and brotherhood are as relevant today as they were in the 20th century. He cautioned that without instilling tolerance among people, humanity could face severe consequences, echoing Stephen Hawking's concern about the need to protect Earth rather than seek new planets for survival. He warned that increasing communal sentiments could obstruct the realization of Kuvempu’s vision of 'Vishwamanava' (universal brotherhood).

The Chief Minister also linked environmental disasters, such as the landslide in Kerala's Wayanad, to human greed, which he argued conflicts with Gandhi's belief that nature provides for our needs but not for our greed.

Addressing misconceptions, Siddaramaiah recalled how some individuals had predicted drought during his tenure as Chief Minister, while Karnataka is currently experiencing abundant rainfall. He criticized the persistence of superstition and blind faith among educated people, attributing it to insufficient scientific education. He noted that despite Basavadi Sharana's rejection of the doctrine of karma 850 years ago, some educated individuals continue to believe in it.

Siddaramaiah praised India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, for his scientific and rational approach to leadership and underscored the need to address the stark wealth inequality in the country, where 85 percent of wealth is concentrated in the hands of the top 1 percent. He asserted that Gandhi's teachings could provide solutions to these issues of inequality.

Autopsy of Indian Pilgrims Killed in Nepal Bus Crash Underway

PM Modi Returns to Delhi After Historic Visits to Poland and Ukraine

India Gold Prices Jump 10% Amid Global Surge and Increased Demand