New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday underscored Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s progressive vision on gender equality, recalling his emphasis on women’s empowerment as a measure of societal progress.

Delivering the Second Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on the theme “Dr. Ambedkar as a Nation Builder: Pathways Towards Viksit Bharat” at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre here, Radhakrishnan highlighted the growing participation and achievements of women across sectors and the government’s initiatives supporting women-led development.

The Vice President stated that the aspiration of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires collective effort guided by constitutional values.

He said that a developed India must be inclusive, equitable, innovative, and rooted in democratic principles.

Referring to Dr. Ambedkar’s pivotal role in drafting the Constitution, the Vice President said that through his leadership across extensive deliberations, he laid the foundation of an inclusive India rooted in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He described the Constitution of India as one of the most comprehensive democratic charters in the world.

Emphasising the importance of constitutional morality, the Vice President, reflecting on his role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, said that democratic institutions must function through dialogue, debate, and constructive discussion.

He noted that parliamentary discourse should lead to decisions rather than disruptions, stressing the need for informed and respectful engagement.

The Vice President highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of social and economic democracy alongside political democracy.

He referred to various initiatives undertaken in recent years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at inclusive development, financial empowerment, and upliftment of underdeveloped regions, noting that such efforts align with Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals.

The Vice-President underscored Dr. Ambedkar’s intellectual brilliance, noting his seminal work “The Problem of the Rupee” and his courage in questioning colonial economic policies. He remarked that Dr. Ambedkar demonstrated how knowledge and wisdom can challenge even the most powerful systems.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, Secretary Sudhansh Pant, along with scholars, dignitaries and distinguished guests were present on the occasion.

–IANS

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