Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, April 14: The 134th birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar (Ambedkar Jayanti) was celebrated today with great enthusiasm across Jammu and Kashmir.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Scheduled Caste Front celebrated the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar at the BJP National office. Party’s National general secretary Tarun Chugh, along with SC Front National general secretary Sanjay Nirmal, Guruji Raju Chandel, Jagdeep Gautam Advocate, Raju Pehelwan and Mahipal Birlan, paid floral tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution. Chants of “Baba Saheb Amar Rahe” echoed at the event. Chugh said Dr Ambedkar’s Constitution ensures justice and equality for Scheduled Castes and backward classes, calling it a cornerstone of India’s democratic values.
J&K BJP chief Sat Sharma and other BJP leaders including general secretary (organization) Ashok Koul, Kavinder Gupta, Dr DK Manyal, MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa paid rich tributes to Dr Ambedkar by garlanding his statue at Ambedkar Chowk, Jammu. Sat also paid tributes to Baba Saheb in a function at Akhnoor. He was accompanied by MLA Akhnoor Mohan Lal Bhagat. Addressing the gathering, Sat said a series of transformative steps has been taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership that have given true honour to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision and ideals. Former MLA Rajeev Sharma was also present.
To mark the occasion, BJP organized commemorative events across all districts of the Kashmir Valley under the leadership of the respective BJP district presidents, who led floral tribute ceremonies and highlighted the life and legacy of the architect of the Indian Constitution. The main function was held at the BJP Head Office located at Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar where Waqf Board Chairperson (MoS) Dr Darakshan Andrabi and Party chief spokesperson Advocate Sunil Sethi were the chief guests. Speakers recalled Dr Ambedkar’s struggle against social discrimination and his pivotal role in shaping a democratic and egalitarian framework for the nation.
Former deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar in a function organized at village Mareen, Hiranagar (Kathua). Advocate Vijay Sharma, MLA Hiranagar, Bharat Bhushan, MLA Kathua, district president Updesh Andotra, Col Mahan Singh DDC Chairman, Karan Attri DDC Member, Mukesh Padha Mandal president, and Rajinder Bakshi vice president were also present on the occasion.
To mark Ambedkar Jayanti, celebrated as ‘Samarthata Diwas’, DDC Chairman Kathua Col Mahan Singh (Retired) visited several SC bastis in Basohli sub-district, including Jait, Khudku, Khaloo and Adan. He paid floral tributes and participated in interactive sessions highlighting Ambedkar’s legacy. Accompanied by local leaders like Bhagat Ram and Capt Prem Singh, he hailed Ambedkar as a nationalist and architect of India’s Constitution, emphasizing his enduring contributions to social justice.
Balbir Ram Rattan (BJP spokesperson) while paying tributes to Baba Saheb said that Dr B R Ambedkar considered education as the most powerful medium for social change and worked towards ensuring equal rights for every citizen of the country. “Even today, Dr Ambedkar’s views on education remain a source of inspiration,” he added.
District Congress Committee (DCC) Srinagar in a function held at Party office paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar and recollected his selfless services and sacrifices towards nation building. On the occasion, speakers said Baba Saheb’s leadership qualities and vision shall continue to inspire people leading them at the path of social services, unity and harmony, they said. Among others, the function was attended by DCC president Irfan Naqib and other senior leaders.
Senior PDP leaders Narinder Sharma and Karan Singh along with other prominent leaders and workers paid rich floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar at Panchayat Kotli Shah Doula, RS Pura constituency. Narinder, while paying floral tributes to Baba Sahib, said that he fought bravely for inducing “Samrasta” in the society. Karan Singh while remembering Dr Ambedkar, said the best homage can be paid to Baba Sahib by respecting our constitution and implementing it in true spirit.
Dr Rajeev Bhagat, MLA Bishnah, paid a heartfelt floral tribute to Dr Ambedkar during a commemorative event held at Sant Shiromani Bhawan Chak Avtara and Budh Vihar Bishnah. Addressing the gathering, Dr Bhagat highlighted Dr Ambedkar’s monumental contributions to the nation.
Taranjit Singh Tony, senior political leader and DDC Member Suchetgarh, paid rich floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar during a commemorative function held at Rajiv Nagar, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Tony emphasized that Dr Ambedkar’s teachings remain more relevant than ever in today’s political and social landscape.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) organized a series of programs at district Level in J&K to paid tribute to the Architect of the Constitution. The main function of district Jammu was organized by BSP Headquarter in Satwari where party leaders and workers paid tribute to Baba Saheb by offering flowers. During the program organized under the chairmanship of J&K party chief Darshan Rana, hundreds of BSP workers took a pledge to follow the path shown by Dr Ambedkar.
Samajwadi Party (SP) organized a vibrant function to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti. The event, held under the leadership of Jia Lal Verma, SP president for J&K, was marked by cultural performances and powerful speeches on Ambedkar’s contribution to modern India. Highlighting Dr Ambedkar’s vision of an inclusive society rooted in equality and brotherhood, Satpal Verma, UT president of Ambedkar Vahni, said, “Ambedkar may have passed away, but his ideology continues to inspire millions across the country, particularly among the deprived sections”.
In Ladakh, the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb was celebrated with great enthusiasm. A major event held at the Mahabodhi Buddha Park for World Peace, was attended among others by Bhikkhu Sanghasena, DC Leh Santosh Sukhadeve and Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) president Chering Dorjay. Tributes were paid by garlanding the statue of Dr Ambedkar. Students of Mahabodhi Residential School presented a song in praise of Dr Ambedkar and his immense contributions. A similar program was organized by the Youth Wing of the LBA at Eco Park where DC Leh Santosh Sukhadeve was the chief guest, while ASP Rigzin Sandup attended as guest of honour.
BJP Ladakh, led by president Phunchok Stanzin, paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar in Leh, in the presence of Ashok Koul, general secretary (organization) for J&K and Ladakh. CEC Leh Tashi Gyalson, former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Padma Shri Mutup Namgyal, and other prominent leaders attended the event. Ashok Koul praised Dr Ambedkar’s visionary contributions to social justice and education, stating his ideology remains relevant today.
A grand program was organized at Bahu Fort under the chairmanship of Dewan Chand (district chairman, SC Department, J&K Congress) to celebrate Bhim Jayanti with great enthusiasm. The event was graced by several prominent Congress leaders including Madan Lal Chalotra, chairman of OBC Department, J&K PCC and Shamsher Bhagat vice chairman SC Dept JKPCC, who paid floral tributes to Baba Saheb, honoring his monumental role in drafting the Indian Constitution and his lifelong struggle for the rights of the marginalized.
Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy (BDSA) organized a tribute function at its Headquarters, Roopnagar, Jammu, under the chairmanship of B R Kundal (IAS, Retired), working president of the Akademy. Several distinguished members of the Akademy including Ruplal Bharati, H R Phounsa, R L Bhagat, Dr Rakesh Kumar Atri, Swarn Lal and Shashi Kant paid floral tributes to Baba Saheb. Later in the day, the committee members of BDSA attended the “Ambedkar Mela” at Ambedkar Chowk, Gandhi Nagar and paid homage to Baba Saheb’s enduring legacy and his vision.
To commemorate Ambedkar Jayanti, offices of OBC Cell, SC, ST PWD Cell, Department of Students welfare (DSW) and NSS Unit of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) jointly organized a webinar on “Dr Ambedkar’s Ideology on Inclusive Society for National Development” during which the Vice-Chancellor, Prof A Ravinder Nath launched the “Earn While You Learn” (EWL) scheme. Addressing the participants, Prof Nath described the scheme as a major tribute to Dr Ambedkar’s vision of educational empowerment.
NSS Unit of Dogra Degree College organized a moving and educational documentary screening that celebrated the life, vision, and lasting impact of Dr Ambedkar on Indian society. Held under the overall guidance of Dr Bela Thakur, Principal of Dogra Degree College, the event saw active support from Simran Thakur, NSS Programme Officer. The documentary showcased the life journey of Dr Ambedkar—from his early challenges to his transformative role in drafting the Indian Constitution.
NSS Unit of Government College for Women, Parade Ground, Jammu, in collaboration with the Equal Opportunity Cell and the Department of Political Science, organized a series of impactful academic and awareness activities. The five-day program included the screening of the film “Jai Bhim” in the college auditorium, Preamble Pledge Ceremony, and an invited lecture on “Ambedkar and the Constitution”. The concluding day featured a Pad Yatra, which ended with a floral tribute at the statue of Dr Ambedkar.
To commemorate the Day, the Confederation of Dalit, OBC Minority and Adivasi organizations, J&K, organized a bike rally from Ambedkar Park (Resham Ghar Colony) to Ambedkar Chowk Jammu. The rally was flagged off by Ashik Hussain (State president, Shia Federation) and a large number of participants took part in it under the leadership of R K Kalsotra, State president of the confederation.
The birth anniversary of Baba Saheb was celebrated with great pomp and show at Shree Guru Ravidass Sabha head quarters at Krishna Nagar Jammu, wherein; children, youth, women, employees and retirees as well as socio-religious activists from SCSTOBCs participated in thousands. Dr Sanjay Bhasin was the key note speaker while Rajinder Kashyap, Administrative Member, Central Administrative Tribunal, New Delhi, also spoke on the occasion.
All J&K Scheduled Castes Welfare Association, Jammu celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti in a function presided over by its president Jagdish Bhagat. Rup Lal Bharti (retired IFS) was the chief guest while Bodh Raj Dogra (Retired Chief Engineer) was guest of honour and M L Kaith (Retired SSP) was special guest of honour.
The NSS units of Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, Jammu, celebrated the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar with great enthusiasm. Marking the occasion, around 50 NSS volunteers paid a heartfelt floral tribute at Dr B R Ambedkar Chowk, near Railway Station, Jammu, as part of a week-long series of events commemorating the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
CMH College of Legal Studies, Jammu organized a seminar on the topic “Constitutional Morality and Social Justice: Dr BR Ambedkar’s Vision for Modern India” in the College auditorium. Choudhary ZulfKar Ali was the chief guest where as Dr Nitan Sharma, Faculty of the Law School, University of Jammu and Dr Kartika Bakshi, Researcher and Academician in law were the guest speakers.
The NSS Unit of GDC Thannamandi celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti with enthusiasm. From April 12-14, a series of events marked the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, guided by Principal Prof (Dr) Farooq Ahmed and coordinated by NSS Program Officer Prof Supriya Gupta. Highlights included a Preamble pledge, an enlightening lecture by Dr Ashaq Malik on Ambedkar’s legacy, and an online quiz competition, “Know Your Constitution”.
GDC Neeli Nallah concluded the celebration of birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar as a knowledge of symbol and organized a series of activities under the guidance of Prof (Dr) Seema Arora, Principal of the College. The activities included documentary video of B R Ambedkar, pledge taking ceremony, awareness lecture, poster making competition and padyatras.
SBI Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), Ramban organized an enlightening program at its campus to honor the legacy of the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. The event commenced with the Director Harvinder Singh, staff members, and trainees of the Junior Beautician course paying floral tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar. This was followed by a five-minute silence, observed in deep reverence, as a mark of respect for the soul (shanti) of the great social reformer and national leader.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), Northern Region, Jammu office, solemnly observed Ambedkar Jayanti. The celebration began with the garlanding of Dr Ambedkar’s statue by the chief guest, officers and staff of GSI, followed by a brief address highlighting his immense contributions to the nation. A special talk was also organized, where speakers shed light on Dr Ambedkar’s vision for inclusive development and his enduring legacy in empowering marginalized communities.
On Ambedkar Jayanti, workers of Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Jammu Kashmir Province, including Purushottam Dadhichi (president), Shakti Dutt Sharma (vice president), Sanjay Gupta (general secretary), Anil Kumar Magotra (treasurer) and A R Sagar (joint secretary), paid tributes to Baba Saheb by garlanding his statue and called upon people to follow the path shown by him.
To mark the occasion, Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan presented a musical play “Babasaheb Ambedkar” in collaboration with union Ministry of Culture and Sangam Tru Art Production at Durga Bhawan, Janipur, Jammu. The function was inaugurated by chief guest J K Raina (freelancer producer-director). Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest highlighted the life history of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh J&K in its State working committee meeting, held at the Sangh State office in Jammu under the leadership of State president Ved Parkash paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar. BMS North India organizing secretary Pawan Kumar also participated in the meeting. Paying tribute to Baba Saheb, Ved Prakash highlighted Dr Ambedkar’s pivotal role in shaping India’s labour laws.
To celebrate the birthday of Baba Saheb, social and political activists organized a function at R S Pura’s Gegian, in which a large number of people from all walks of life participated. Paying tribute to Baba Saheb, R L Kaith said Dr Ambedkar was the voice of the socially oppressed and dedicated his life to the upliftment of the marginalized sections of society.
Prominent social and political activist Rishi Kilam also paid homage to Dr Ambedkar. While addressing the civil society members, Kilam said Dr Ambedkar, popularly also known as Baba Saheb, was a top Indian jurist, political leader, philosopher, anthropologist, historian, orator, economist and editor.
Sunil Dimple, president of Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir, paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar by cutting a birthday cake and taking out an impressive Ambedkar Rally starting from Janipur to different parts of the city.
BJP district president Ramban and former MLA, Neelam Langeh led the Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations at party office in Ramban, paying rich tributes to Baba Saheb. Addressing the gathering, Langeh highlighted the timeless legacy of Dr Ambedkar. Other party leaders and public representatives including Puran Chand (Prabhari Ramban) also paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar. The function concluded with a pledge to promote unity, dignity and empowerment of all sections of society.
NSS students from the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Jammu, enthusiastically celebrated Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary through a webinar held under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Dr B N Tripathi and DSW Dr Sudhakar Dwivedi. Dr Sushmita Dadhich welcomed participants and highlighted Ambedkar’s legacy. Students delivered impactful speeches, and guest speaker Dr Shailendra Kumar Jain from Amity University discussed Ambedkar’s contemporary relevance.
Bhagat Mahasabha J&K Unit celebrated Ambedkar jayanti at Muthi, Jammu, with a dignified function. The event began with Budh Vandana by Ajit Bajala, followed by floral tributes. Chief guest, Mohan Bhagat (MLA Akhnoor) and guest of honour Om Parkash Bhagat (Senior KAS officer) emphasized Dr Ambedkar’s vision of social justice. Sabha president Mohinder Bhagat highlighted Baba Saheb’s contributions to Dalits and women’s empowerment.
All J&K Dr Ambedkar Welfare Forum celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti at Guru Ravi Dass Complex, Rajpura, Jammu where a large number of people garlanded portrait of Baba Saheb and paid rich tributes to him. Speaking on the occasion, president of the Forum, Dev Raj Angral asked the people to follow the teachings of Baba Saheb. On the occasion, a cultural program was also performed by children on the life of Baba Saheb.
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