MRPL Commemorates 135th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Mangaluru: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) commemorated the 135th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar with reverence and enthusiasm at the MRPL Employees’ Recreation Centre (MERC).
Shri Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath, Managing Director, MRPL, presided over the programme. Dr. Vaddagere Nagarajaiah, an eminent researcher, ethnographer, writer, and social activist, attended as the Chief Guest. Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai, Director (Refinery), MRPL, and Dr. B. S. Hemalatha, Deputy Director, Social Welfare Department, Dakshina Kannada, were the Guests of Honour.
The event commenced with the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions, followed by the welcome address by Shri Surya Narayana, General Manager (Administration). Floral tributes were paid to Dr. Ambedkar’s portrait after the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
As part of the celebrations, MRPL felicitated 20 meritorious students—10 SSLC and 10 PUC students—who secured more than 90 percent marks in their examinations. Eminent social workers were also honoured for their significant contributions to community welfare and social upliftment.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s immense contributions to social justice, education, constitutional governance, and ethical leadership. Dr. B. S. Hemalatha spoke about Dr. Ambedkar’s pioneering role in advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Vaddagere Nagarajaiah underscored the enduring relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals of equality, liberty, fraternity, and social justice. He also highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions to labour reforms, water resource development, economic thought, and women’s welfare, while appreciating MRPL’s role in strengthening India’s energy security.
In his presidential address, Shri Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath reaffirmed MRPL’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and progressive workplace inspired by the ideals of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Dharanendra R. A., General Secretary, MSSEWA. The celebrations were followed by a theatrical performance titled EEDI by M/s Sumanasa, Kodavoor, Udupi, which the audience widely appreciated. Shri Naveen Shankar Naik compered the event.