Nation remembers B R Ambedkar; PM vows to fulfil his vision

Rich tributes were paid to the architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar, in various parts of the country on Sunday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that his economic thought and vision have not been fully understood and the government was leaving no stone unturned to fulfil his dreams of a prosperous and inclusive India.

In the Parliament House complex in Delhi, President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Modi and other leaders remembered Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his 60th death anniversary, which is being observed as 'Mahaparinirvan Diwas'.

Mukherjee, Ansari and Modi offered floral tributes at the Dalit icon's statue in the Parliament House lawns.

Later, the prime minister released two commemorative coins of Rs 125 and Rs 10 denomination at his official residence as part of the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of Ambedkar.

In Mumbai, glowing tributes were paid to Ambedkar at his memorial 'Chaityabhoomi' in the Dadar area, as thousands of his followers gathered there. Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were among those who paid tributes to the Dalit icon.

After releasing the commemorative coins, the prime minister termed Ambedkar as a visionary and a profound thinker and said his economic thought and vision were still not fully understood and needed to be appreciated, even though his contribution towards social justice have been recognised.

"Our government is leaving no stone unturned to fulfil the vision & dreams of Dr Ambedkar to create a prosperous & inclusive India," Modi said after the function in which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot were also present.

The prime minister also highlighted Ambedkar's vision on women empowerment, federalism, economy and its relevance.

"We are aware of Dr Ambedkar's contributions towards social justice but Babasaheb's thoughts on economic issues are equally enlightening. Dr Ambedkar will always be remembered as an original & profound thinker. His views on inclusiveness & harmony continue to inspire us," he said.

Modi said Ambedkar had faced lot of humiliation, yet his patriotism reflected in his work.

Referring to the recent two-day sitting in Parliament on Ambedkar, he said there was good discussion in both the Houses of Parliament. The members reviewed the present situation in the context of Ambedkar's perspective, he said.

There were people who asked why November 26 was being observed, the prime minister said, adding "I do not feel that somebody who understands Babasaheb Ambedkar would ask these questions."

Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution should always be discussed and talked about in this country, and the observance of Constitution Day on November 26 was a step in this direction, a statement issued by prime minister's Office said.

Modi said there were only a few individuals who remain alive in public consciousness, even 60 years after their death.

"The more we recall Ambedkar's thought, in the context of issues currently faced by India, the more we come to respect his vision and his approach to inclusiveness."

He said it is because of great men like Babasaheb that India has scaled heights of progress. After releasing the coins, Modi said "nobody would have ever thought that there could be a day when Ambedkar picture could be on India's coin."

Earlier in the day, Modi paid floral tribute at the Dalit mascot's statue in Parliament House lawns.