Ambedkar's Vision Remains Blueprint for Women's Progress, Says Telangana Minister

Hyderabad: The principles enshrined in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Constitution continue to serve as a roadmap for advancing women's rights and broader social development, according to Telangana's Labour and Mines Minister Dr. Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy.

Speaking at the 135th birth anniversary commemoration of Ambedkar organised by the GSI Southern Region SC/ST Employees Association at the Geological Survey of India office in Nagole Bandlaguda on Thursday, the Minister highlighted how the constitutional architect prioritised the welfare of all societal sections while introducing transformative ideas for women's progress.

"Ambedkar championed progressive reforms and created pathways for women's advancement through reservation systems and social legislation," Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy noted. During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he backed the Women's Reservation Bill, and his wife has been actively engaged in conducting awareness and capacity-building initiatives for women across communities.

The Minister encouraged women to expand their horizons beyond domestic spheres and engage meaningfully in educational pursuits and community participation. He pointed to institutions bearing Ambedkar's name as examples of how quality education reaches children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy recalled his father, former Union Minister Gaddam Venkataswamy, whose commitment to public welfare exemplified Ambedkar's ideals. "The values of service and social responsibility that guide my work stem from his legacy," he said, calling upon citizens to contribute to national progress across various sectors through dedicated effort.

GSI's expanding footprint and anti-sand mafia measures

Acknowledging the Geological Survey of India's substantial contributions to Telangana's development, the Minister recommended that GSI officials intensify geological investigations and strengthen enforcement mechanisms against illegal sand extraction operations in the state.

The government is channelling over ₹1,000 crore annually toward GSI infrastructure upgrades and service expansion. These investments aim to generate employment and facilitate the scaling of small and medium enterprises, with successful examples of ventures that began with ₹5 lakh investments now operating as crore-rupee businesses.

GSI Southern Region Deputy Director General B. Ajay Kumar underscored the organisation's 175-year track record of national service. The agency currently oversees more than 1,000 projects nationwide, with substantial geological survey operations underway in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

GSI Southern Region Additional Director General and Head of Department Vijay Vishnupant Mugal reiterated that Ambedkar's constitutional framework encompasses provisions essential for national advancement, encompassing the upliftment of all communities.

DICCI Women's Wing National President Aruna Dasari acknowledged Ambedkar's transformative role in drafting the Constitution and his relentless advocacy for marginalised communities, particularly Dalits and economically backward groups. She commended Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy for advancing Ambedkar's legacy through his commitment to social justice initiatives.