Modi pays glowing tributes to Ambedkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid glowing tributes to Dalit icon Babasaheb Ambedkar and said the late leader's life was a lesson in how education could be a tool of empowerment.

Speaking at the 6th convocation of the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University here, Modi said the great leader suffered a lot of humiliation in his formative years, but used that experience to overcome the hurdles he faced.

"While he was the first Indian to do a doctorate in economics abroad, he chose the country, welfare of its people over his self-promotion and gave India so much," the prime minister said in praise of the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Modi said the key to Ambedkar's success was that he did not waste time complaining but rather used the challenges he faced to strengthen his will to succeed.

He said the students should thank the people from various strata of society who were behind their education and success.