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New York City declares April 14 as Dr BR Ambedkar Day

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NEW DELHI: New York city on Monday declared April 14 as Dr BR Ambedkar Day , acknowledging his towering legacy in advancing democracy, dignity, women's empowerment and justice for historically marginalised communities.

According to a top official in the mayor's office, deputy commissioner for the New York City mayor's Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan made the announcement in the presence of Union minister Ramdas Athawale .

Taking to X, Athawale said, ""A historic moment at the UN Headquarters in New York as Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary is officially proclaimed by the NYC Mayor's Office."

"My heartfelt thanks to Mayor @NYCMayor and Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan for honouring Babasaheb's global legacy of justice and equality," he added.

Earlier, Athawale delivered the keynote address at a special event organised at the UN headquarters by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN to commemorate Dr Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary.

"Dr Ambedkar's life is not merely a chapter in Indian history-it is a beacon for all humanity. Born into adversity, he transcended every barrier imposed by caste, poverty and colonial oppression to become a global advocate for equality, dignity and democracy.

"His advocacy resonates far beyond the borders of India, making him an icon for the modern human rights movement," Athawale said.

Prior to the event at the UN, Athawale also paid his homage at the statue of Dr Ambedkar in the Lehman Library at Columbia University, which he said in a post on X, was "erected as a symbol of knowledge."

Born in April 14, 1891, Ambedkar chaired the drafting committee of the of the Constituent Assembly. He was included in the interim government by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as law minister post independence.

Ambedkar also played a key role in social movement that fought for the rights of Dalits and untouchables. He had received his PhD in Economics from Columbia University in 1927 and an honourary degree in 1952.
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