Along with whole nation, the Government of India observed Mahaparinirvan Diwas on December 6, 2021 as part of the major commemoration of ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’.

Marking the occasion, as the 66th death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Hon'ble President and Prime Minister of India alongwith ministers and prominent dignitaries from various ministries paid floral tribute to Baba Saheb's statue at Parliament House.This was followed by Dhamma Puja by Buddhist monks. Thereafter, in the memory of Dr. Ambedkar, Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting presented special songs.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr.Virendra Kumar visited Dr.Ambedkar National Memorial, New Delhi and paid floral tribute to Dr.Ambedkar’s statue where Buddhist monks recited Dhamma Puja.

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation also organised afull day event at Dr.Ambedkar International Center, New Delhi campus on this occasion.Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr.Virendra Kumar was the Chief Guest andUnion Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Kaushal Kishore was the Guest of Honour. Shri R. Subramaniam, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and UGC’s Chairman Prof. DP Singh were also present alongwith other prominent dignitaries.

Shri R. Subramaniam, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, welcomed the audience with a warm speech.UGC’s Chairman Prof. DP Singh, in his address, underlined the role of Dr.Ambedkar Foundation in uplifting the society with its visionary approach to education.

After that, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation displayed a documentary film highlighting the importance of Panchtirthas, associated with Baba Saheb. This was followed by speech of Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Kaushal Kishore.  “People who honour Baba Saheb don’t judge otherson basis of their caste and colour,” said Shri Kishore.

To make this occasion memorable, Dr.Virendra Kumar launched a special book, published by Dr.Ambedkar Foundation, named “Social Justice and Empowerment: Reflections from Dr.Ambedkar Chairs”. He also releaseda brochure on Dr.Ambedkar'sPanchteerthas and schemes and scholarships for Scheduled Caste students by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Besides, Union Minister Dr.Virendra Kumar launched ‘ShreshthaYojna’ and National Fellowship Management and Grievance redressal Portal. Recalling Baba Saheb, he outlined the importance of  Mahaparinirvan Diwas in his speech.

‘ShreshthaYojna’ will aid socio-economicupliftment and overall development of the Scheduled Castes students by providing quality residential education in reputed private schools.

In the Next 5 years, the Ministry has decided to extend support to 24800 meritorious Scheduled Caste students, involving Rs. 300 Crores approx. for providing them quality residential education from class 9th to 12th in reputed private residential schools in aspirational districts identified by the NITI Aayog, in educationally backward districts and districts having population of SC community at national average. 

Dr.Virendra Kumar also launched Fellowship Management and Grievance redressal Portal software with a view to enable an area based development approach. The initiative aims at integrated development of Scheduled Castes majority villages.

Proposing vote of thanks, Shri Vikas Trivedi, Director, Dr.Ambedkar International Center and Foundation said, “We must remember the immense contribution of Baba Saheb in the formation of a free India.”

MG/RNM