UN to celebrate Ambedkar's birth anniversary for the first time

The birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, will be observed at the United Nations (UN) for the first time with focus on combating inequalities to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The birthday of Mr Ambedkar is celebrated on April 14 every year. He was a dedicated Dalit rights activist and an advocate of equality and social justice.

Some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2015 had traces of Mr Ambedkar’s vision. India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in association with the Kalpana Saroj Foundation and Foundation For Human Horizon will commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Mr Ambedkar on April 13 at the UN headquarters in New York.

The UN will organise a panel discussion on the occasion, and the discussion would be on ‘Combating inequalities for the achievement of SDGs.’ “Babasaheb’s birth anniversary to be observed at UN for 1st time with focus on combating inequalities to achieve SDGs,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said.

The honour bestowed on Mr Ambedkar by the UN on his 125^th birth anniversary comes in the backdrop of growing criticism of the Indian government’s treatment of the oppressed sections of society, which has also become a major issue in educational institutions across the countries.

A note released by the Indian mission said: “India celebrates the 125th birth anniversary of the “national icon”.” Mr Ambedkar is seen as an inspiration for millions of Indians and an advocate of equality and social justice across the world.

Hailing Mr Ambedkar’s vision, the Indian mission said: “Fittingly, although it’s a matter of coincidence, one can see the trace of Babasaheb’s radiant vision in the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN General Assembly to eliminate poverty, hunger and socio-economic inequality by 2030.”

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