NEW DELHI, Sept 4:
Remembering the vision of architect of the Indian Constitution B R Ambedkar of an India where social system and economy ensure a dignified existence for all citizens, President Pranab Mukherjee today said all of them has a responsibility to do their utmost to make Dr Ambedkar’s dreams come true.
Delivering the fifth Dr Ambedkar memorial lecture on ‘Vision of India in 21st Century as envisaged by Dr Ambedkar’, the President said, “Dr Ambedkar dreamt of an India in which all sections of society are empowered – socially, economically and politically; an India in which every section of our population believes that they have an equal stake in the country and its future and an India in which social status will be decided not by standing in caste hierarchy or economic wealth but by individual merit.
“Dr Ambedkar’s vision was of an India where the social system and economy would permit the full development of human potential and ensure a dignified existence for all our citizens. “Each one of us has a responsibility to do our utmost to make Dr Ambedkar’s dreams come true.” Stressing on the need to do everything possible to preserve and strengthen of Indian democracy, the President said, “We must engage in combined and committed efforts to overcome poverty and prejudice. We need to be constantly on the guard against divisive forces raising their heads in the country. “We should address with utmost of speed the challenges of malnutrition, ignorance, unemployment and infrastructure. We must also ensure that untouchability or any form of disability based on caste, creed, religion or sex is not practised in any part of the country. It is only through these endeavours can we occupy our rightful place in the leading ranks of the comity of nations.”
The President said Dr Ambedkar’s message, work and life are a constant reminder of the outstanding Constitution, strong democracy and effective, independent institutions they have inherited from the founding fathers of the nation. “At the same time, it also reminds us of the distance we still need to travel in building an egalitarian society where there will be no distinction between man and man,” he said. (UNI)
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