Role of Babuji in modern India lauded

Eluru: Freedom-fighter and former Union Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram sacrificed his life in service of the nation and played a key role in building modern India, said District Collector Praveen Kumar.

He paid rich tributes to Babuji by garlanding his statue here on Friday, to mark his jayanti celebration organised by the department of social welfare.

He said hailing from poor family, Jagjivan Ram was elevated to higher position in his political career. He strived all his life for Dalits, he said.

Praveen Kumar Jagjivan Ram's struggle to fight against untouchability is ideal for others to emulate. During his five decades of political career, he held several positions for 30 years. His contribution for country's development was great and ideal for today's politicians.

Joint Collector M Venugopal Reddy, social welfare department deputy director Rangalakshmi Devi, Dalit leaders were among who paid tributes to Jagjivan Ram.