In a historic event, a 19-foot tall statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of India’s Constitution, was formally inaugurated in a suburb of Maryland, Washington. This statue is being considered as the tallest of its kind outside of India and holds significant importance for both Indian-Americans and the Indian diaspora around the world.
Inauguration Ceremony of the Statue
During the inauguration ceremony, the air was filled with enthusiastic chants of ‘Jai Bhim.’ More than 500 Indian-Americans, including attendees from various parts of the United States, India and other countries, came together to witness this historic moment. The event was an evident to the global reverence for Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions.
An Artist’s Touch
The statue was crafted by the renowned artist and sculptor Ram Sutar, who is known for creating the ‘Statue of Unity’ of Sardar Patel, located on an island in Gujarat’s Narmada River. This new masterpiece, named the “Statue of Equality,” seeks to address the issue of inequality not just in India but globally, as Ram Kumar, President of the Ambedkar International Center (AIC), emphasized.
A Symbol of Unity and Social Justice
Deelip Mhaske, a leader in the Ambedkarite movement in the United States, shared that the “Statue of Equality” symbolizes not only the 1.4 billion Indian but also the 4.5 million Indian Americans. The statue’s unveiling garnered congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Narendra and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, recognizing the efforts of the Ambedkarite movement to promote unity and social justice.
Remembering Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, born on 14th April 1891, played a pivotal role as the chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee. He is affectionately known as Babasaheb and is recognized as the Architect of the Indian Constitution. He passed away on 6th December 1956 and his legacy continues to inspire millions.
Dhamma Chakra Parivartan Din
Notably, the date of the statue’s unveiling, October 14, coincides with Dhamma Chakra Parivartan Din, a day celebrated by Ambedkarites to commemorate Dr. Ambedkar’s embrace of Buddhism. This symbolic date adds further significance to the statue’s inauguration, marking an important milestone in the global Ambedkarite movement.
