Statue of the ‘Father of Indian Constitution’ Installed at Ambedkar International Center in Maryland
- It was unveiled on Oct. 14 to mark the day the visionary social reformer and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution embraced Buddhism.
Heavy rains did not deter the spirit of many Indian Americans and Ambedkarites who gathered on Oct. 14 at the Ambedkar International Center (AIC) premises in Accokeek, Maryland to unveil a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Amid chants of “Jai Bhim,” the 19-foot statue, known as the “Statue of Equality” was unveiled by AIC president Ram Kumar, Dalit Solidarity of USA president Roja Singh, and Florida-based physicians, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Drs. Pagidipati Devaiah and Pagidipati Rudrama Devi, according to an AIC press release.
Prominent members of the community, scholars, and activists paid rich tributes to the visionary social reformer and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. According to the Ambedkar International Center, this is “the first-ever installation of a statue honoring Dr. Ambedkar in the United States, celebrating his legacy of equality, justice, and human rights.”
Oct. 14 is celebrated as Dhamma Chakra Parivartan Din by Ambedkerites to mark the day Ambedkar embraced Buddhism.
The statue was made by renowned artist and sculptor Ram Sutar, who also built the statue of Sardar Patel, called as Statue of Unity, installed in Gujarat.
Ram Kumar, president of the Ambedkar International Center, expressed enthusiasm for this historic moment. “The statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is a symbol of the shared values of democracy, justice, and human rights that bind India and the United States. It serves as a reminder of the importance of championing the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background.”
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, often referred to as Babasaheb and Bodhisattva, was a champion of social justice, equality, and the rights of marginalized communities. His remarkable contributions to the world have left an indelible mark, inspiring generations to fight against discrimination and to strive for a more just society. He died on December 6, 1956.
(Photos, courtesy, Ambedkar International Center.)