The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in a celebration on his 135th Birthday Anniversary, in New Delhi today. The primary theme of the event was ‘A Journey of 75 years of Constitution of India’.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, presided over the event as the Chief Guest and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Law and Justice as the Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries on dais included Shri Kishor Makwana, Chairman, NCSC, asking with Commission Members, Shri Love Kush Kumar and Shri Vaddapalli Ramchander. In his keynote address, Dr. Virendra Kumar narrated the numerous contributions of Babasaheb Ambedkar addressing the welfare of the community, while being the Chief Architect of the Constitution of India.
The mantras of social Equality, Liberty and fraternity were reiterated in detail for the present and future generations. He reflected on the immense personal sufferings and social humiliation endured by Dr. Ambedkar, which only strengthened his resolve to fight for justice, dignity, and equality for all.
The Minister called upon the youth to imbibe the ideals of Babasaheb and contribute to building an inclusive and progressive India. The first ever such celebration by NCSC on account of 75 years of Journey of the Constitution of India on such a scale was applauded and appreciated by the Minister.
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal lauded Dr. Ambedkar's role as the architect of the Indian Constitution and stressed the importance of legal empowerment and representation for Scheduled Castes in all spheres of life.
The sufferings and learning from the life history of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life was narrated by Minister for enlightening the youth of the country. He further emphasized that equality was the cornerstone of Dr. Ambedkar’s vision, and true nation-building is possible only when every citizen enjoys equal rights, opportunities, and dignity.
Addressing the gathering, Chairperson (NCSC) highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring contributions to education, self-respect, and character-building among the marginalized communities. He reaffirmed NCSC’s resolve to safeguard the constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes and ensure their holistic development through policy advocacy, awareness, and active monitoring.
Member (NCSC) Shri Love Kush Kumar, emphasized the transformative role Dr. Ambedkar played in laying the foundation for a just and equitable society. Member Shri Vaddapalli Ramchander reflected on Dr. Ambedkar’s relentless struggle against caste-based discrimination and his efforts to enshrine social justice in the Constitution.
Earlier in his welcome address, Secretary (NCSC), Shri G. Srinivas briefly highlighted the efforts of the present Commission in improving the complaint handling, transparency and continuous response/update to petitioners.
The NCSC in its endeavors to reach out to SC communities has been undertaking various steps as part of its prime responsibilities delegated under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution, he informed.
During the event, a new NCSC Website was inaugurated by Dr. Virendra Kumar. The event also featured screening of clips on Dr. Ambedkar’s life and felicitation of the dignitaries. The true copy of the Constitution of India was on display along with a digital display of prominent books on Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The celebrations witnessed wide participation from MP’s/Ex MP’s, Members of all other Commissions, Presidents/General Secretaries from various Associations, CMD/MD/ED/Directors from PSB’s/PSU’s, Educational Institutes/Universities and other Dignitaries, Scholars, Social Justice Advocates from across the country.