President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted people on the 132nd birth anniversary of the father of the Indian Constitution, a man who worked for Dalit empowerment, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. In a tweet, the president said, "I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of the architect of our Constitution, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar."
She called Ambedkar a symbol of knowledge and prodigy and that his basic mantra was - Educate, Organise and bring the deprived community into the mainstream of society, even if it meant to struggle.
"A symbol of knowledge and prodigy, Dr Ambedkar worked untiringly, even in adverse circumstances, as an educationist, legal expert, economist, politician and social reformer and spread knowledge for the welfare of the nation. His basic mantra - Educate, Organise & struggle to bring the deprived community into the mainstream of society, will always remain relevant," she said.
She added that Ambedkar's unwavering faith in the rule of law and commitment to social and economic equality is the backbone of India's democracy.
"On this occasion, let us take a pledge to adopt the ideals and life values of Dr Ambedkar and keep moving forward for creating an egalitarian and prosperous nation & society," the message further read.
Similarly, prime minister Narendra Modi too greeted his countrymen with a message on this day.
He tweeted, "Hundreds of salutes to Pujya Babasaheb, who dedicated his life to the empowerment of the deprived and exploited sections of the society, on his birth anniversary. Jai Bheem!" along with a video message.
He said that Ambedkar was a person with a “universal vision”. Modi said that Ambedkar went through a lot of struggle, despite which he rose to the top. He said that Ambedkar believed in equality – equality in authority, equality in law, equality in human rights, and equal opportunities.
He further added that after independence our forefathers dreamt of an inclusive and harmonious India. Babasaheb helped fulfil that dream with the Constitution, Modi said.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar also paid floral tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, in Patna.
BJP President JP Naddal also remembered the father of the Indian constitution and said,"Today, the country is celebrating the 133rd birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar. We cannot forget his contribution to the development of the country. He was the architect of the Indian Constitution."
"BJP is walking on the footprints of Dr BR Ambedkar and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are working for the growth and development of the country," he added.
Every year, on April 14, Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s birth anniversary is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti. He was an Indian jurist, philosopher, anthropologist, historian, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
Ambedkar was the driving force behind India’s Dalit movement and campaigned against the Indian caste system.
Born on April 14, 1891, he campaigned against social discrimination and supported the rights of women and workers. He died on December 6, 1956, thereafter, in 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.