The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations celebrated the 134th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar with a special commemorative event at the UN headquarters in New York. The gathering was attended by international dignitaries and leaders, reflecting the global impact of Dr Ambedkar’s legacy.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, joined the event and highlighted the worldwide recognition of Dr Ambedkar’s contributions. “Not only all over India, but many countries are celebrating his birth anniversary,” he noted, expressing gratitude to India’s Permanent Mission for its unwavering commitment to international dialogue, social justice, and inclusion.
Deelip Mhaske, president of the Foundation for Human Horizon, advocated for Dr Ambedkar’s legacy to be celebrated on the scale of Nelson Mandela’s. He thanked New York City officials for their ongoing support in promoting Ambedkar’s values.
Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, praised Dr Ambedkar as a global figure who championed the rights of the marginalised. “Inclusion is not a favour but a fundamental right,” he said, urging continued advocacy for equality and justice in all spheres.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, reflected on Dr Ambedkar’s pivotal role in India’s freedom movement and his lasting impact as the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Athawale, in previous remarks to ANI, emphasized Dr Ambedkar’s intellectual brilliance and commitment to education, recalling his academic years at Columbia University where a statue of Ambedkar now stands. He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for institutionalising Constitution Day in India to further promote Ambedkar’s vision.
Across the United States, initiatives are underway to recognise April 14 as “Ambedkar Equality Day.” Notably, New York City has officially proclaimed the date as “Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Day,” honouring his life and legacy on what would have been his 134th birthday.
