‘Mahatma Gandhi’s Campaign…’ bags Jayashree award

The award will be conferred by Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda at Gandhi Bhavan tomorrow.

BANGALORE October 1: English Book Mahatma Gandhi’s Campaign Against Untouchability in Karnataka, authored by Dr. G.A. Biradar, is selected for Jayashree Award instituted by Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, Bangalore.
The award will be conferred by Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti at Gandhi Bhavan, Kumar Park in Bangalore. Prior to the award presenting ceremony, Mahatma Gandhi’s followers would take out an ‘Awareness Rally’ at 9 am from M G Road to Gandhi Bhavan.
Dr. G.A. Biradar is working as an Archivist, at National Archives of India, New Delhi. Having a Masters Degree 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

“This 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 anticolonial period in the 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.

Courtesy: Evening Times, English Eveninger.