Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 26: Leaders and activists of various reserved categories paid floral tribute to Shahu Ji Maharaj who played a crucial role in providing reservation to the Dalits, Adivasis and Backward Classes in his kingdom.
A function in this connection was organized in Jammu today in which many leaders and members of the reserved categories participated.
While speaking on this occasion Sham Lal Basson, general secy of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Bahu Fort, Jammu said that Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj started reservation for Dalits, Adhivasi, Backward classes on this day on July 26, 1902 giving representation to SC/ST/OBC/Minorities in education and service class that is why this day is celebrated as Representation Day throughout the country.
He made primary education free and compulsory for all strata of society. He provided hostel facilities to backward class students. Dams were constructed to ensure water for farmers and common man. Shahu Ji Maharaj started weaving and spinning mill in 1906 to provide employment. He made provision of Scholorship for Dalits and backward class students because two schedules i.e scheduled caste and scheduled tribes came into being in 1935. Shahu Ji Maharaj was a strong advocate of equality among all strata of society and refused to give special status to any caste. Basson said that Shahu Ji made efforts to abolish concept of caste segregation and untouchabilty. His Royal Decree ordered his subjects to treat every member of society equal access and granting the untouchables equal access to public utlilities wells and pounds, as well as establishments like schools and hospitals. Shahu Ji worked towards the betterment of the condition of women in his empire. He legalized widow remarriage in 1917 and made efforts towards stopping child marriage. Devdasi pratha which essentially led to exploitation of girls was banned.
While addressing the gathering VK Kundal former State president of Buddist Society of India threw light on the life and mission of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj. He cited many examples regarding social reforms of Shahu ji Maharaj . Shahu Ji Maharaj donated Rs 2500 When Baba Saheb Started newspaper MookNayak and also helped Dr Ambedkar on many occasions
M.R.Bangotra Retd Chief Education Officer, K K Fotra, Prof C L Shivgotra and others also spoke on the occasion.
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