Nation pays tribute to B R Ambedkar on 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas

The nation commemorated the 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a tireless champion of social justice, equality, and constitutionalism, on Saturday.

The day was marked by heartfelt tributes and ceremonies at the Parliament House Complex’s Prerna Sthal, where President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, laid floral wreaths at Dr Ambedkar’s statue.

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Several Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, former MPs, and dignitaries joined in paying homage. Opposition leaders, including Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, also participated in the tributes, underscoring the enduring and unifying impact of Ambedkar’s legacy on India’s democratic fabric.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, alongside Secretary-Generals of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Utpal Kumar Singh and P C Mody respectively, also honoured the great leader with floral tributes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation’s homage, describing Dr Ambedkar as a “towering figure who championed justice, equality, and constitutionalism.”

In a message posted on X, he said, “Remembering Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism continue to guide our national journey.” He emphasized Ambedkar’s inspiration to generations to uphold human dignity and democratic values, adding, “May his ideals keep lighting our path as we work towards building a Viksit Bharat.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed profound gratitude to the “architect of our Constitution and an unflinching voice for social justice.” He called upon the nation to uphold Ambedkar’s lifelong values of liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice, stating, “Today, more than ever, we are called upon to uphold, preserve and defend the values he lived for and his greatest gift to the nation, the Constitution of India.”

Rahul Gandhi, in his tribute, reaffirmed his commitment to Ambedkar’s principles, saying, “His timeless legacy of equality, justice and human dignity strengthens my resolve to defend the Constitution and inspires our collective struggle for a more inclusive, compassionate India.”

Joining the nation in remembering 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav emphasized the importance of the Constitution, saying, “Desh Ka Nara: Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Samwidhan Hona Chahhiye,” (The country’s slogan should be: Hail the soldier, hail the farmer, hail the Constitution). He added that the Constitution is not just a book, but the foundation of the country. He warned that those who want to weaken the Constitution are enemies of democracy.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid tribute to Dr Ambedkar, saying, “My humble tribute to the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, an unparalleled thinker, and a social reformer, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His contribution to drafting the Constitution of India remains immortal.”

Highlighting Ambedkar’s seminal role in fighting caste discrimination and empowering marginalized sections, the leaders from across the political spectrum united in honoring his vision for an equitable society.

Speaker Om Birla, in a social media post, described Ambedkar as “the architect of India’s great Constitution and a guardian of social justice,” whose vision of equality, justice, education, and inclusive development continues to guide the nation’s progress.

Birla reflected on Ambedkar’s pioneering work in education, including founding the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha and the People’s Education Society, which expanded educational opportunities for marginalized communities. “His call to ‘Educate, Organize, Agitate’ remains a rallying cry for social transformation,” he said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid homage, highlighting Ambedkar’s role as the first Law Minister of independent India and his pivotal contribution to ensuring the rights of every Indian, especially the oppressed and deprived, through the Constitution. She said, “Babasaheb’s ideas will always continue to guide the nation.”

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956. His legacy remains deeply woven into India’s national identity as a beacon of justice, equality, and democratic governance. The 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas was observed nationwide with solemn ceremonies, reflecting on his enduring influence on India’s social and political landscape.

As India remembers Babasaheb Ambedkar, leaders and citizens alike renew their pledge to build an inclusive, just, and democratic society, fulfilling his dream of “One India – Best India.”