D’Souza was speaking at Mapusa after offering floral tributes to late Dr Babhasaheb Ambedkar.
“Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was an all-time intellectual giant and his contribution to economics, political science, anthropology, sociology, history, law and education is significant, substantial and spectacular,” D’Souza stated.
“Dr Ambedkar argued for extensive economic and social rights for women. He introduced a system of reservation of jobs in the civil services, schools and colleges for members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. He was leader of not only Dalits, but all backward classes,” he added.
Former Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) chairperson Sandeep Falari said Babasaheb is the name to be reckoned as an epitome of cultural revolution in social, political, religious horizon of pre and post-independent India. “He was an institution by himself,” said Falari.
Bardez Mamlatdar Shama Arondekar, Dyaneshwar Varkhandker and Bhagwan Salker also spoke on the occasion.
On the occasion, prizes were awarded by Francis D’Souza to the winners of Rangoli competition. MMC Chairperson Roopa Bhakta welcomed the gathering, while Anand Hewal proposed the vote of thanks.
