Leaders across India pay homage to Ambedkar on birth anniversary

The nation on Tuesday paid tributes to B. R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders across states remembering the architect of the Constitution and his lifelong struggle for equality and social justice.

President Murmu described Ambedkar as a visionary jurist, economist and social reformer who dedicated his life to the upliftment of deprived and marginalised sections . She said Babasaheb showed the path to eliminate inequalities and played a crucial role in strengthening democratic and constitutional values in India, urging citizens to follow his ideals to build a just and inclusive society .

Murmu, Modi and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan earlier paid floral tributes at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament complex in New Delhi along with ministers and parliamentarians.

In a post on X, Modi said Ambedkar’s contributions continue to inspire the nation. “Tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating . His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society,” the prime minister said.

Chief ministers across the country also paid homage. A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana said Ambedkar dedicated his life to ensuring equality and dignity for the oppressed , adding that his ideals continue to guide efforts to strengthen constitutional democracy.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Ambedkar’s struggle for equality and empowerment of the underprivileged continues to inspire generations and his role in drafting the Constitution remains central to India’s democracy.

Siddaramaiah of Karnataka said Ambedkar showed millions the path to dignity, self-respect and equal citizenship , while Eknath Shinde of Maharashtra said his ideals of justice, equality and fraternity continue to shape India’s progress.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also paid homage, saying Ambedkar’s struggle against discrimination laid the foundation for a modern democratic India.

Thousands gathered at Deekshabhoomi and other memorial sites for ceremonies and cultural programmes marking Ambedkar Jayanti , observed annually on April 14. Born in 1891 in Mhow, Ambedkar served as India's first law minister and remains the chief architect of the Indian Constitution .