7th August 2026: 36th anniversary of the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, organised by Prof. Ravivarma Kumar at Gandhi Bhavan, Bengaluru.

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A significant gathering was held at Gandhi Bhavan, Bengaluru, on 7 August 2026 to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations. The programme brought together prominent political leaders, academics, social activists, public intellectuals and representatives of marginalised communities to reflect on the continuing relevance of reservations, representation and affirmative action in India.

The programme was organised under the leadership of Prof. Ravivarma Kumar and was attended by Sri Siddaramaiah, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri KM Ramachandrappa, President, Karnataka Backward Classes Federation, Sri Anant Naik, Secretary, Ahinda, and other distinguished participants.

The event provided an important platform for reflecting on the progress made since the implementation of the Mandal recommendations and, equally importantly, on the unfinished agenda of social justice.

Ashwini Obulesh, Executive Director, Dhwani Legal Trust had the opportunity to deliver the welcome address, in which she set the context for the day's discussions. She emphasised that reservations should not be viewed merely as a welfare measure or as a temporary concession, but as an important instrument for addressing historical and structural inequalities and ensuring meaningful representation of communities that have remained socially and educationally disadvantaged.

The discussion highlighted the continuing need for reservations and affirmative action. Despite the progress achieved over the decades, significant disparities continue to exist in access to education, employment, institutions of power and decision-making.

An important theme emerging from the programme was the need for collective action among SC, ST and OBC communities. The pursuit of social justice cannot be sustained through isolated efforts. Greater solidarity and collective mobilisation are necessary.

The anniversary was therefore not merely a commemoration of the implementation of the Mandal recommendations. It served as an opportunity to renew the commitment to the larger constitutional values of equality, dignity, representation and social justice.