Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his birthday this Monday, pointing out that Baba Saheb's vision and ideals are still leading India towards becoming a self-reliant and developed country.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, was a towering figure of Indian history, recognized for his work as a jurist, economist, social reformer, and political leader.
Ambedkar, the mastermind of the Indian Constitution, headed the drafting committee and went on to serve as the first Law and Justice Minister in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his respect on social media site X, saying, "On behalf of all the countrymen, I bow down to Bharat Ratna Pujya Babasaheb on his birth anniversary. It is because of his inspiration that the country is committedly working towards fulfilling the dream of social justice today."
He also added, "His ideals and principles will provide strength and momentum to the development of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat."
In a video message, the Prime Minister called Ambedkar a "symbol of humanity," an individual who fought against any kind of inhumanity. "He used to do everything constitutionally. He taught society only one thing — become educated, and once you are educated, you will be able to talk to the world eye to eye," PM Modi stated.
The Prime Minister remembered Ambedkar's prime guiding principles—education, organization, and struggle for humanity—and reiterated that the mantras of these principles remain inspiring and empowering people even now.
Looking at Ambedkar's life and legacy, PM Modi spoke of the social reformer's utmost dedication to the country and to social justice. The intention with which Baba Saheb Ambedkar worked was purely national dedication, social dedication and therefore our determination should be this — whether Dalit, suffering, exploited, poor, tribal, villager, slum dweller, aspiring for education, if we are to do something for all of them, then Baba Saheb Ambedkar is always our inspiration," he said.
PM Modi also emphasized the government's initiatives to honor Ambedkar's legacy through the establishment of "Panch Teerth," which comprises five significant sites linked to his life. These sites include the ‘Janam Bhoomi’ in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh (his birthplace); ‘Siksha Bhoomi’ in London (where he studied law); ‘Deeksha Bhoomi’ in Nagpur (where he embraced Buddhism); ‘Mahaparinirvan Sthal’ in Delhi (where he passed away); and ‘Chaitya Bhoomi’ in Mumbai (his final resting place).
Aside from this, the Prime Minister mentioned that the government had named the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre at 15, Janpath in Delhi, as a gesture of respect to the Father of the Indian Constitution.
"Our government has put Baba Saheb's contribution before the country and the world with high passion," PM Modi stated. "These Panch Teerth will keep on inspiring the generations to come."
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju also offered his respects to Dr. Ambedkar, posting a video of his visit to the Ambedkar Memorial House in London. "My tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr. BR Ambedkar on his birthday. This is the video from when I had visited the residence where Babasaheb had stayed during Law studies in London. Now the house has been purchased and developed as the Ambedkar Memorial House," Rijiju posted on X.
Read also| India ready for urgent trade talks amid tough US stance, Says S Jaishankar
