Karnataka CM: Casteism More Common Among Educated People
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says casteism is more prevalent among the educated and calls for its end.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday expressed serious concern over the persistence of casteism in society, stating that it is more prevalent among the educated and must be eradicated. Speaking at the Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao 10th Annual Science Outreach Programme–2025 in Lakshmeshwar, Gadag district, the Chief Minister urged citizens to reflect on the true purpose of education and social reform.
Citing the teachings of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna, Siddaramaiah reminded the audience of the message, “Do not ask who he is,” lamenting that caste divisions continue even after 79 years of Independence and a 76 per cent literacy rate. He said education should cultivate scientific temper and rational thinking, warning that without eliminating inequality, a truly humane society cannot be built.
Highlighting government efforts, the Chief Minister referred to the implementation of the Anti-Superstition Act, expressing disappointment that blind beliefs still persist in the land of Basavanna. He stressed that the Constitution’s values of liberty, equality, and fraternity must be practiced in both letter and spirit for caste and inequality to truly disappear.
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Siddaramaiah also spoke against the misuse of religion, stating that while all religions preach humanity, vested interests often distort their meanings. He emphasized that success is not determined by caste or fate, but by education, willpower, and hard work, adding that science aims to foster rationality rather than blind belief.
Recalling the life of former bureaucrat B.S. Patil, Siddaramaiah highlighted how education transformed Patil’s journey from a farming background to becoming Chief Secretary of Karnataka, despite severe personal challenges. He praised Patil’s integrity, administrative efficiency, and contribution to state development, including his role in restructuring Greater Bengaluru.
The Chief Minister concluded by lauding Prof. C.N.R. Rao as one of India’s finest scientists, noting his rise from Kannada-medium schooling to global scientific excellence. Reiterating Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision, Siddaramaiah urged Indian students to embrace scientific and rational thinking to build a secular, egalitarian society free from caste and superstition.
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