UN observes birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for first time

The United Nations for the first time observed the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar, also dubbed 'Ambedkar Jayanti', at the UN headquarters in New York.

Ambedkar popularly known as Babasaheb, is considered as the Father of Indian Constitution, the biggest and the most complex constitution in the world.

The commemoration ceremony took place at the UN headquarters a day before his birth anniversary and was being organised by the Kalpana Saroj Foundation and Foundation for Human Horizon along with Permanent Mission of India, last night.

Helen Clark, Chair of UN Development Group and Administrator of UN Development Program emphasizing on Ambedkar's work said that he worked on the empowerment and inclusion of excluded groups, reform of labour laws, and promotion of education for all, made him an icon for marginalized people in India and in other countries.

Senior UN officials, diplomats, academia, political leaders, civil society and private sector from India, the US and other parts of the world graced the occasion.

The event was organised to focus on combating inequalities to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and vouch his vision to create a nation on the firm grounds of democracy and social justice and equality for all.

It was also the stepping stone for the UN's 2030 Agenda for SDGs that aims at combating inequality within and among countries to create sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth.

Babasaheb has inspired Dalits in India to campaign against social discrimination against Untouchables while also supporting the rights of women and labour.

Meanwhile, festive fervour ratchets upacross India as they mark the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar, today.