Maha: Over 2k run to pay tribute, spread genius of Ambedkar

Over 2,000 people paid tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary Sunday by running up to 10 kilometres in the 'Run for Equity' event here, held annually to take the genius of the architect of the Constitution to the broader society.

"The sole quality which defines Ambedkar's legacy is his quest for equity and establishing a just society. We started the run for the same purpose three years ago," Sameer Shinde, one of the organisers, told PTI here.

Stating that there are many misnomers about Ambedkar, Shinde said people, many a time, take sides based on only one aspect like his views on reservation, with the Dalits deifying him and some others berating.

However, Ambedkar's work spans a multitude of disciplines, including economics, finance, banking, theology, which also have to be taken on board, he argued.

Registered runners were given a list of essential reading of Ambedkar's writings to understand his contribution better.

Last year, the organisers Hub Social Trust had made the event free for all, which resulted in over 5,500 runners participating.

This year, a fee was levied for running which ensured only those who believe in his works attend, Shinde said.

He rued monetary support is difficult to come by for a "cultural" event like this, with corporates staying away.

"Even those groups who have affirmative action as one of their key objectives do not entertain us," he said, stressing that the organisers are completely "apolitical".

Shinde said the organisers want the run to signify the value of equity and added that from the next edition, special invites will be sent to the differently-abled and other sections of the society like LGBTQ individuals.

Confident that there are many who believe in Ambedkar across the country, the group is aiming to spread the event across India from next year and possibly the world as well, he said.