Visakhapatnam, May 05: A commemorative meeting to mark the death anniversary of Tipu Sultan was held in Visakhapatnam on May 4 under the aegis of Dr. J. Purnachandra Rao, IPS (Retd), National Coordinator. The programme, he said, was organised with reference to the ideas associated with B.R. Ambedkar, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and Kanshi Ram, with a focus on social justice, equality and inclusive governance.
Addressing the media, Dr. Rao described Tipu Sultan as a ruler who resisted the expansion of the British East India Company and sought to defend regional sovereignty. He noted that Tipu made efforts to secure international support, including attempts to build ties with France, and undertook measures to modernise his military with European-style training and improved artillery.
Dr. Rao also referred to instances cited by historians to indicate administrative inclusiveness during Tipu Sultan’s reign. Assistance extended to institutions such as the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, and endowments to temples in Melkote and Nanjangud, were mentioned. He added that Hindu officials, including Purnaiya, Krishna Rao and Shamaiya Iyengar, held important positions in the administration, suggesting that governance was not confined to a single religious group.
Referring to the events of 1799, Dr. Rao said that the British East India Company, along with its allies—the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Maratha Confederacy—fought against Tipu Sultan. He noted that Tipu died in battle during the siege of Seringapatam, continuing resistance until the end.
Highlighting the relevance of social reform thought, Dr. Rao said that the ideas associated with Ambedkar, Periyar and Kanshi Ram emphasise equality, self-respect and equitable participation in power. He called for a critical reading of history, urging people to view contemporary developments through a historical perspective, ascertain facts, and preserve social cohesion.
On the question of political representation, Dr. Rao observed that while democratic institutions have strengthened since Independence, issues relating to equitable representation remain. He pointed out that certain communities appear to have lower representation in legislative bodies relative to their population share, while others have a comparatively higher presence. Similar concerns, he said, extend to Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Dr. Rao called for collective efforts towards social justice and greater inclusiveness, urging different sections of society to work together while drawing lessons from historical experiences.
The meeting on May 4 was attended by historians, social thinkers and public representatives, and held discussions on the legacy of Tipu Sultan and its contemporary relevance. Youth participation, he added, would be encouraged to promote a balanced and informed understanding of history.
“Learning from the past and striving for equality and social justice in the present is essential for building an inclusive future,” Dr. Rao said. In this program senior Muslim leaderss Mohammad Yaseen Afsar Khan , Aslam khan and Bahujan leader Lakshmi Swaero , Bangarayya , Satish Kumar and others spoke on the occasion. Muslims participated in big numbers.
