PM Modi releases commemorative coins honouring Dr. Ambedkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday released commemorative coins, as part of the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

The coins, which are of "ten-rupee" and "one hundred and twenty-five rupee" denomination, were issued on the Mahaparinirvan Divas of Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that there were only a few individuals who remain alive in public consciousness, even 60 years after their death.

He said the more one recalls Dr. Ambedkar's thought, in the context of issues currently faced by India, the more one respects his vision and his approach to inclusiveness.

The Prime Minister said that while his contributions towards social justice have been recognized, his economic thought and vision is still not fully understood, and it needs to be appreciated.

He added that Dr. Ambedkar and the Constitution of India should always be discussed and talked about in this country, and the observance of Constitution Day on November 26th, was a step in this direction.

The Prime Minister appreciated Dr. Ambedkar's vision on subjects such as women empowerment, India's federal structure, finance and education.

Earlier today, President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi paid homage at the statue of Ambedkar at the Parliament lawns.