The Embassy celebrated the 125 th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Nur-Sultan on 14 th April, 2016. The celebration began with garlanding of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s photograph by Ambassador and lighting of lamp by Smt. Vandana Jain, Spouse of Ambassador.
A short documentary on the life of Dr. Ambedkar and a slideshow of his photographs followed the lamp lighting ceremony. This was followed by keynote address by Ambassador who welcomed all the guests and congratulated them on the occasion. He said that Babasahebwas an outstanding leader of India’s freedom struggle and a staunch crusader for the rights ofthe oppressed sections of the society. He underscored that Dr. Ambedkar was a born genius,an outstanding scholar, visionary, educationalist, philosopher, legal luminary, social reformer,political leader and above all the chief architect of India’s Constitution. He stated that his lifewas an illustration of courage and conviction.
Illustrating his scholarly credentials, Ambassador said that Dr. Ambedkar’s PhD thesisof 1923 titled “The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India” provided the academicbasis for establishment of Finance Commission of India and the guidelines presented by Dr.Ambedkar to the Royal Commission on Indian Currency & Finance in 1925 formed the basisfor conceptualization of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Ambassador pointed out that Dr. Ambedkar’s biggest and most important contributionwas his role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India. Heemphasized that Dr. Ambedkar’s message, work and life are an inspiration to all and hismultifaceted contribution to the country can never be forgotten.
Shri Atanu Rakhsit, Assistant Professor, Dr. Prashant Jamwal, Assistant Professor andShri Alex Pappchen James, Associate Professor at Nazarbayev University also spoke on thelife and multifaceted contribution of Dr. Ambedkar. Following their speeches, Ms. ChandraniOjah, Kathak Dance Teacher, Mr. Bhaskar Ojah and Students of the ICC presented ascintillating cultural programme. This was followed by a short Quiz on Dr. B.R. Ambedkarand award of prizes to the members of audience who gave correct answers. A display ofbooks on Dr. Ambedkar was also organized. The celebration ended with light refreshments.
