‘Attempts to undermine Ambedkar’s contribution to the nation have failed’

Narendra Modi


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in the national capital and said that attempts made to undermine the Dalit icon’s contribution to nation building by some have proved to be unsuccessful.

“Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s contribution to nation building is very important, there had been attempts to undermine his role, but such attempts were unsuccessful,” he said after inaugurating the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre For Socio-Economic Transformation (DAICSET), a day after the Dalit icon’s 61st death anniversary.

Without taking any names, Modi said a particular “family” wanted to erase Ambedkar’s role but the architect of the Indian constitution has remained influential.

“Attempts to erase Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s role failed, he has been more influential in the minds of people, much more than the family for which all this was done,” he said.

“Our government is trying to make sure that his views reach out to more people especially the youth,” he added.

Modi further said that the Central government was developing places related to Ambedkar’s life as pilgrimage sites.

Aimed at encouraging research and original thinking among the youth, the centre is a fusion of Buddhist and present day architecture.

The institution includes seminar as well as conference halls along with three auditoriums and an extensive library with a rich digital repository.

It will show the way and further discussions on vital issues as well as encourage research, original thinking among the youth, PM Modi had said on Wednesday.

The Centre has come up at 15 Janpath in the national capital.