BODHI VRAKSHA AWARD CONFERRED ON ASIRIYAR DR.K.VEERAMANI AT AMBEDKAR FESTIVAL
Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani, conferred with the Bodhi Vraksha Award (Bengaluru – 14th April 2026)
Asiriyar, paying respect to Dr.B.R. Ambedkar
Spoorthidhama, a social organisation dedicated to building a just and equitable society inspired by the ideals of Buddha, Basava, and B. R. Ambedkar, has been celebrating Ambedkar Habba (Ambedkar Festival) on April 14—the birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar—for the past 18 years in Bengaluru, Karnataka..
This year’s celebration, Ambedkar Habba 2026, was held over two days. The first day (April 13) featured a programme titled “Ambedkar for Youth: Discussion, Reflection and Practice.” The second day (April 14) marked the award ceremony. Spoorthidhama presents two categories of awards: the Bodhi Vraksha Award for national-level achievers and the Bodhi Vardhana Award for regional contributors, recognising individuals who have devoted their lives to the progressive ideals of Buddha, Basava, and Dr. Ambedkar.
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The Bodhi Vraksha Award includes a citation and a cash prize of `1 lakh, while the Bodhi Vardhana Award carries a citation and `25,000.
Bodhi Vraksha Award
The prestigious Bodhi Vraksha Award was conferred upon 93-year-old Asiriyar Dr. K. Veeramani, President of Dravidar Kazhagam.
Dr. Veeramani has dedicated his life to the protection and advancement of social justice. During challenges to the 69% reservation policy in Tamil Nadu, he played a crucial role by advocating for a special law to safeguard it. His legal insight contributed to the enactment of an exclusive legislation that, with Presidential assent and Parliamentary approval, was placed in the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
He has also worked extensively to create nationwide awareness on the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations and has championed the cause of appointing trained priests from all communities in temples.
Untouchability and caste discrimination are deeply rooted problems. We cannot eliminate untouchability without eradicating the caste system itself. True equality can only exist when we remove these barriers completely
A prolific writer and editor, Dr. Veeramani leads several publications, including Viduthalai (Tamil daily), Unmai (Tamil fortnightly), Periyar Pinju (children’s monthly), and The Modern Rationalist (English monthly). He has authored over 200 books in Tamil and English and continues to advocate for constitutional equality and dignity for all, inspired by the ideals of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy.
The award was presented by noted writer and cultural thinker Nadoja Sri Kum. Veerabhadrappa, in the presence of S. Mariswamy, President of Spoorthidhama. Actor and social activist Ashok attended as Chief Guest.
Bodhi Vardhana Awards
The Bodhi Vardhana Awards were presented to five distinguished individuals who have rendered selfless service to society:
l K. Gangamma – A prominent organiser in Karnataka’s Dalit movement, known for supporting survivors of atrocities and promoting simple and inter-caste marriages.
l Basanna Singe – Associated with the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti movement, he has worked for land rights for farmers cultivating government wastelands.
l Dr. Ramakrishnappa – An agricultural scientist who has significantly contributed to strengthening the ecological relationship between land, water, trees, and soil.
l Sitavva Jodatti – A lifelong activist against the devadasi system and a recipient of the Padma Shri, dedicated to women’s empowerment.
l Mariyamma Bijjur – A 70-year-old midwife who has served her community selflessly for over four decades.
All awardees received citations and cash prizes in recognition of their contributions.
Cash Award Donated to ‘Periyar World’
While accepting the award, Dr. Veeramani made a remarkable gesture by donating the entire cash prize of `1 lakh to the ambitious Periyar World project being developed in Siruganur, near Trichy in Tamil Nadu.
This monumental initiative includes a 95- foot statue of Periyar mounted on a 155-foot pedestal, surrounded by an educational and thematic park aimed at promoting rationalist and self-respect ideologies.
Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani addresses the audience
A Grand Celebration
The award ceremony was conducted on a grand scale, drawing large participation from members of Spoorthidhama and cadres of Dravidar Kazhagam from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Spoorthidhama continues to organise the Ambedkar Festival each year with a steadfast commitment to fostering a just, equal, and progressive society.
The following is the Address, delivered by Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani after conferment of the Award:
Respected dignitaries, esteemed guests, my dear brothers and sisters,
I am deeply honored to be part of this wonderful and historic occasion organized by Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Habba 2026. Today is a moment of pride for all of us. We are gathered here not just to celebrate
an event, but to honor a legacy that has shaped our dignity and our rights.
We are here because of the great contributions of leaders like B. R. Ambedkar and Gautama Buddha. They were not ordinary individuals—they were intellectual giants, fearless fighters for justice, and champions of self-respect and equality. Without their efforts, many of the basic rights we enjoy today would not have been possible.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries present here—the chairperson, social workers, journalists, awardees, and my fellow brothers and sisters. I am truly humbled and thankful to share this stage with all of you.
This occasion reminds us of the struggles against inequality and discrimination. Our country has long suffered from a system where birth determines one’s status. This is a reality we must challenge. No human being should be judged by birth; every individual deserves dignity, equality, and opportunity.
As Dr.B.R. Ambedkar taught us: Educate, Agitate, Organize. These are not just words— they are a call to action. We must take this message beyond this hall, to the masses, and work tirelessly for social transformation.
Untouchability and caste discrimination are deeply rooted problems. We cannot eliminate untouchability without eradicating the caste system itself. True equality can only exist when we remove these barriers completely.
Our Constitution, through Article 17, abolishes untouchability. But laws alone are not enough—we must change mindsets. Discrimination in any form, whether based on caste, gender, or belief, must be rejected.
We must also embrace rationalism and humanism, values strongly advocated by Gautama Buddha. Let us not believe something blindly just because it has been followed for generations. Let reason guide us. Let compassion define us.
Today, as we celebrate, let us remember that true tribute is not just in words or rituals. It lies in action. It lies in continuing the mission of equality, justice, and human dignity.
I humbly accept this honor, though I do not know if I truly deserve it. But I assure you—I will dedicate myself, until my last breath, to the eradication of inequality and injustice.
Let us take a pledge today:
l To stand for equality
l To reject discrimination
l To uphold human dignity
l To work towards a society free from oppression
Let us unite as one humanity—beyond caste, religion, language, or region. Our goal is clear: to move from dehumanization to rehumanization.
Together, let us march forward and continue the unfinished work of these great social revolutionaries.Thank you. I am once again humbled by this honor.
Compiled by V. Kumaresan
Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani addresses the audience
