“Dalits do not want sympathy. Give them formal or informal education so that they will enter the mainstreams of the society,” said Mysore University former vice-chancellor Prof P Selvidas.

Speaking after inaugurating UGC Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at Mangalore University, she said social exclusion is a new terminology which includes social, cultural, educational and economical discrimination.

She said more than 35 per cent of BPL families are not exposed to education. There is a need to make them economically strong.

She said social security should be provided to those who are socially excluded. The social security will provide education, which in turn will bring them back to the mainstreams of the society, she added.

She said “Dalits should realise that they are human beings. God did not create them as SC/STs. All of us have a purpose in the society.”

Prof Selvidas called upon the Centre Director to do extension work by going to the interiors of Karnataka.
Baba Saheb Ambedkar Central University Vice-Chancellor Prof B Hanumaiah said “talking about higher education and nuclear deal has no meaning when fellow being is not treated properly in the society.

 The very purpose of education is lost. There is a need to bring those who are socially excluded to the mainstreams of the society.”

Centre Director Prof Vishwanath, Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa and Registrar (Administration) Dr Sundar Naik were  present.

FIRST CENTRE IN THE STATE
Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at Mangalore University is the only Centre in Karnataka. The UGC has sanctioned 12 centres in the country. Nine centres will be established in Central Universities and three in conventional universities in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala.

The Centre aims to eradicate the problem of social exclusion.