Honouring a visionary: India remembers Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas

“We honour the fearless champion of equality, Bharat Ratna Dr B.R. Ambedkar”

"I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved." - Dr B.R. Ambedkar. This Mahaparinirvan Diwas, India remembers Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, a pioneering jurist, economist, and social reformer who spent his life fighting discrimination and inequality. Born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow (present-day Madhya Pradesh), Ambedkar overcame severe social barriers to pursue education, earning doctorates from Columbia University and the London School of Economics.

On this day, citizens, leaders and scholars across the country pay tribute to his relentless struggle against caste-based oppression and his tireless work to secure social justice and equal opportunity for marginalized communities. Many highlight his enduring legacy, from drafting the Constitution to championing women’s rights, education, and empowerment, reminding us that true progress is measured by the upliftment of all citizens. His political journey, rooted in the fight for dignity and equal rights, led him to become India’s first Law Minister and Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. He passed away on 6 December 1956 in Delhi due to long-standing health complications linked to diabetes.

From North to South and across political lines, leaders, institutions and citizens came together to honour a legacy that continues to shape the country’s democratic and social fabric.

President Droupadi Murmu led the national tributes with a floral homage at the Parliament House premises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Ambedkar’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism” continue to illuminate India’s path. Modi later joined Vice President C P Radhakrishnan to pay respects at Prerna Sthal in Parliament House. The Vice President also offered homage, noting Ambedkar’s unmatched role in building India’s constitutional foundations.

Leaders from across the political spectrum echoed these sentiments. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called Ambedkar “an unflinching voice for social justice,” reminding citizens of the need to uphold the democratic values he championed. Rahul Gandhi said Ambedkar’s legacy of equality, justice and human dignity reinforces the determination to defend the Constitution. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy paid tribute, calling the Constitution a guiding light for liberty and equality, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also honoured the leader’s contributions.

Across states, a range of commemorative events marked the day. The largest gathering unfolded at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, where many assembled at Ambedkar’s memorial in Dadar. The Maharashtra government organised cultural programmes, exhibitions on Ambedkar’s life, and public readings of the Constitution, a turnout reminiscent of the historic crowds at his 1956 funeral procession.

What continues to stand out is the spirit of unity. Irrespective of state, region or political affiliation, the nation consistently comes together to honour Ambedkar’s immense contribution to India’s democratic identity. His lifelong fight against caste discrimination, social inequality and injustice, and his insistence on liberty, equality and fraternity as the pillars of nation building, remained at the heart of every tribute.

Seven decades after his passing, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideas continue to inspire a collective commitment to an inclusive and just India. His legacy, rooted in equality and human dignity, remains one of the strongest guiding forces for the nation’s future.He gave India its Constitution, but more than that, he gave the nation a promise, a promise of equality, justice and freedom