Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, April 14: To mark the 135th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar, a wide array of political parties, social organizations, government institutions, and civil society groups across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh organized programmes and paid rich tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir, led by its senior leaders, organized a series of programmes across the Union Territory. The main programme in Jammu was led by Sat Sharma, along with MLAs Vikram Randhawa and Devyani Rana, and district president Naresh Singh Jasrotia, who offered floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar.
In Kashmir, the main programme was organized in Bandipora by BJP general secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, who paid homage to Dr Ambedkar at the party office. BJP Jammu district president Advocate Rajesh Gupta, state general secretary Sanjita Dogra, MLA Yudhvir Sethi, district prabhari Brijesh Rana, and leaders of the BJP Kashmir displaced district also participated in a tribute programme at the BJP office, Kachi Chawni, Jammu.
A commemorative function was also held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan to mark Ambedkar Jayanti. The event was chaired by SC Cell Chairman Vijay Lochan, with Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma as the chief guest. Provincial president (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta reiterated the party’s demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the issue is intrinsically linked to the constitutional ethos of cooperative federalism as envisioned by Dr Ambedkar.
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The Indian National Congress organized a function at PCC Headquarters, Shaheedi Chowk, Jammu, under the presidentship of Yogesh Sawhney, with PCC working president Raman Bhalla as the chief guest. Senior leaders, including Manmohan Singh, Dwarka Choudhary, Satish Sharma, and Zahida Khan, attended the programme.
At Saharan in Marh (Jammu), senior Congress leader Mula Ram organized a separate programme and described Dr Ambedkar as a pioneer of social harmony who dedicated his life to the upliftment of marginalized sections.
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) organized a programme in Samba district, where central coordinator and J&K in-charge Daya Chand addressed party workers and emphasized unity among Dalits, backward classes, and other marginalized sections.
In Kathua district, BSP J&K chief Darshan Rana led another programme in which party leaders and workers paid homage to Dr Ambedkar and pledged to work towards bringing the party to power while carrying forward Babasaheb’s mission.
At Shiv Colony, Samba, MLA Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal paid floral tributes in the presence of local residents and prominent citizens. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the enduring relevance of Dr Ambedkar’s ideals of social justice, equality, and empowerment of marginalized sections of society.
In Ladakh, the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre organized a programme at Buddha Park within its campus. The event was led by Bhikkhu Sanghasena, who, along with other dignitaries, offered floral tributes to the statue of Dr Ambedkar. Among those present were BJP State president Tashi Gyalson Khachu, Tsering Tashi, State president of the Buddhist Society of India (Leh-Ladakh), Chosphel, former councillor LAHDC Leh, and Sonam Stobdan, former president of the Buddhist Society of India.
At the District Congress Committee office in Udhampur, a programme was held under the leadership of DCC president Sumeet Magotra, where Congress leaders and workers paid homage by garlanding Babasaheb’s portrait and reaffirmed their commitment to his ideals.
Senior National Conference leader Rajesh Gupta paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar, highlighting his role in nation-building and social justice. Gupta offered floral tributes and urged global leaders to resolve conflicts through dialogue.
Prominent social and political activist Rishi Kilam paid homage to Dr Ambedkar while addressing civil society members. He stated that although Dr Ambedkar is regarded as the architect of the Constitution, many of his directions for the welfare of weaker sections still require proper implementation.
Tawi Welfare Society inaugurated a newly constructed community hall at Apnavan, Suray Chak, on birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, with a programme marked by tributes to the iconic leader. The hall was formally inaugurated by former District Development Council member Geetu Aulakh, who attended as the chief guest.
The All J&K Scheduled Castes Welfare Association organized a programme at Dr B R Ambedkar Community Hall, Old Janipur, Jammu. The function was presided over by R L Bharti (Retd IFS), with BR Kundal (Retd IAS), Raj Kumar Bhagat (Retd IAS), and G R Bhagat (Retd IAS) as guests of honour. Members paid homage and honoured meritorious students.
Nations Development Association (NDA), an NGO registered with NITI Aayog, organized programmes across multiple locations including Samba, Bishnah, Nagrota, Ramgarh, RS Pura, Arnia, Akhnoor, and adjoining areas. Chief Functionary Sushil Singh highlighted the continued relevance of Dr Ambedkar’s vision in present times.
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Northern Region Transmission System-II, Jammu, marked the occasion across its establishments. At Kishtwar, Executive Director Tarun Bajaj inaugurated the programme with floral tributes, while at the Regional Headquarters Jammu, Chief General Manager Shafat Ahmad Wani led the ceremony.
JKPCC Kissan Congress organized a programme at Pargwal in Akhnoor under the leadership of Chairman Bharat Priye. The event began with floral tributes and included distribution of notebooks and pens among needy students to promote education.
Samba Police organized a large anti-drug awareness rally from Guru Ravidas Temple, Channi Manhansa (Vijaypur), witnessing participation from police personnel and members of the public. Officers urged citizens to follow Ambedkar’s ideals by staying away from substance abuse.
All Jammu-based Reserved Category Employees Association Kashmir organized programmes across the Kashmir Division. The association emphasized that symbolic observances alone are not sufficient and called for concrete, time-bound measures for the upliftment of marginalized sections.
A programme was organized at Vishwakarma Temple, Akhnoor Road, Mishriwala, Jammu, under the supervision of Rashpal Singh Salgotra and Mangal Dass Verma. A large number of people attended, and a resolution was passed to establish a community library in the temple complex.
At Tagore Hall, the All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Minority Organizations organized a programme in which State president R K Kalsotra urged people to safeguard constitutional values, democracy, and fundamental rights.
The NPS Employees United Front organized a programme in which participants recalled Dr Ambedkar’s contributions to social justice, equality, and workers’ rights. Members reiterated that ensuring pension security aligns with his vision of dignity and welfare.
The National Incredible Literacy Mission (NILM), Jammu, organized a programme at its project centre in Ganga Nagar, Bantalab. Secretary Kavita Bali highlighted Dr Ambedkar’s vision of equality, education, and social justice.
Jammu Kashmir Dehati Seva Sanstha (Jindadmelu), RS Pura, organized a programme under the presidentship of Gara Ram Motan. Members paid homage and highlighted Dr Ambedkar’s contributions, while Satpal Mandi attended as the chief guest.
The All J&K Megh Sabha organized a gathering under the chairmanship of Narinder Datt. Speakers described Dr Ambedkar as a pioneer of social justice and equality for marginalized communities, with vice-president Rajinder Bhagat also present.
Mission Statehood president Sunil Dimple led a rally from Janipur-High Court Road to Ambedkar Chowk, where he paid tributes and stated that Dr Ambedkar shaped the destiny of India through the Constitution.
An impressive and inspiring function was organized under the aegis of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Young Blood Welfare Society at Ranjit Pur, Gole Gujral, Jammu. The ceremony began with a cake-cutting ceremony led by TR Azad, followed by candle lighting and floral tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution.
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