President, vice president pay tributes to Ambedkar

President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday led the nation in paying tributes to Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, principal architect of the Indian Constitution, on his 125th birth anniversary.

Mukherjee paid tributes at Ambedkar's statue in Parliament House lawns.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, union ministers, leaders of political parties and people in large number also paid floral tributes to Ambedkar on the occasion.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot, among others, was also present during the function.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to Ambedkar at Mhow, his birth place in Madhya Pradesh.

Functions are being organized all over the country to remember the contribution of Ambedkar in the building of the nation. The day was observed as "Social Harmony Day", an official statement said.

"Portraits of Ambedkar are being garlanded at village Panchayats and literature about his life and work is being distributed. Discussions about his teaching and work are also being held," it added.

Born on April 14, 1891 to Bhimabai Sakpal and Ramji in Madhya Pradesh, Ambedkar died on December 6, 1956.