New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, along with several other leaders, paid floral tributes to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar at the Parliament on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajya Sabha member Ramdas Athawale, and Congress leader Udit Raj, among others, also arrived at the Parliament to pay homage to the Father of the Constitution.

During this, PM Modi and Congress National Mallikarjun Kharge also shared a candid chat.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid tributes to B.R. Ambedkar, describing his contribution to nation-building as deeply inspiring and enduring for generations.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “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.”

In a video message shared on the platform, PM Modi said, “Today is a very important day in the nation’s history – it is Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Jayanti. He was not just an individual, but a symbol of resolve. He did not merely live; he connected it to struggle and fought. He did not fight for personal pride, but for equality for all, including the backward and Dalit communities. Despite facing many challenges and opposition, he never stopped.”

In another post, the Prime Minister said, “Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nation-building.”

Several Union ministers and leaders also paid tributes on the occasion through posts on social media.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ambedkar laid the strong foundation of Indian democracy by providing a Constitution that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all sections of society.

“Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class. He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the country’s integrity. Babasahib, who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organised, teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people, every obstacle becomes small,” he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Ambedkar as a great social reformer and a key architect of modern India, noting that his life was dedicated to securing equality and justice for the underprivileged.

“Babasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society. His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sections.

Babasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nation’s institutions. Even in adverse circumstances, Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nation-building,” he added.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar was born on this day in 1891 in Mhow (now Dr Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh.

He was an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution. He dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and promoting equality and social justice in India.

–IANS

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