Dr Ambedkar's advocacy resonates far beyond borders of India: Athawale tells UN

The principles that Dr B R Ambedkar fought for equity representation and human rights are more relevant than ever in the international communitys collective efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Ramdas Athawale told an audience at the United Nations reported news agency PTIDr Ambedkars life is not merely a chapter in Indian history it is a beacon for all humanity Born into adversity he transcended every barrier imposed by caste poverty and colonial oppression to become a global advocate for equality dignity and democracy His advocacy resonates far beyond the borders of India making him an icon for the modern human rights movement Athawale said reported PTIAthawale delivered the keynote address at a special event organised at the UN headquarters Monday by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN to commemorate Dr Ambedkars 134th birth anniversaryAthawale added that as we gather here under the banner of the United Nations we recognise that the principles Dr Ambedkar fought for equity representation and human rights are more relevant than ever in our collective effort to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals reported PTIThe event Timeless appeal of Ambedkars vision within the United Nations and beyond was attended by UN envoys officials members of the Indian diaspora and civil societyUnderlining that Dr Ambedkars life continues to inspire transformation at every level of society Athawale noted that as custodians of his legacy the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has taken decisive and systemic steps to translate the iconic Indian leaders ideals into transformative action He told the audience that the ministry oversees a wide spectrum of programmes and policies aimed at uplifting historically marginalized communities especially Scheduled Castes Other Backward Classes senior citizens transgender persons and persons with disabilitiesAthawale highlighted some of the ministrys flagship initiatives including the National Overseas Scholarship scheme for Scheduled Castes landless agricultural laborers that offers full financial support to pursue higher education in prestigious institutions abroad the Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi PMDAKSH Yojana that empowers youth from marginalised groups with demanddriven vocational training making them participants in Indias economic transformation and the SMILE SchemeiquestSupport for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise that caters to the socioeconomic upliftment and rehabilitation of the transgender community and those engaged in the act of begging ensuring dignity and opportunity through livelihood support and counsellingAthawale underscored that each of these initiatives is not simply a programme it is a pledge to bridge centuries of exclusion and to ensure that every citizen regardless of birth has access to justice education opportunity and dignityIn his address Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador P Harish said that Dr Ambedkar looked at democracy as a way of life and whose institutional mechanisms and pillars were not an end in themselves but the means to bring into play the constitutional morality of the Indian constitution to ensure that all citizens enjoyed equality and were able to fully utilise their capacities resulting in a nation with citizens and communities demonstrating shared interests and mutual respect and informed by fraternity reported PTIIndeed at a global level this is the same vision that animates a multilateral system represented by the United Nations how to ensure that the framework of morality of the UN Charter guides the international order and interaction between peoples and nations so that we have justice and equality with no nation left behind Harish said reported PTIDeputy Commissioner for the New York City Mayors Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan said Dr Ambedkars ideals go beyond borders and time finding strong connections in the halls of the United Nations and New York a city built by immigrants energized by its diversity and united by its shared belief in opportunity and inclusion He added that Dr Ambedkar showed us that inclusion is not a favour but a fundamental right He taught us to confront injustice not with silence but with solidarity His legacy compels us to build bridges across cultures amplify the voices of the oppressed and challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality wherever they may be Chauhan said reported PTIChauhan announced that New York City Mayor Eric Adams has proclaimed April 14 2025 as Dr B R Ambedkar Day in New York City with its 85 million residents celebrating the dayFoundation for Human Horizon President Deelip Mhaske said it is a profound recognition of one of the worlds most transformative champions of equality and civil rights that April 14 has been proclaimed as Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Day The proclamation acknowledges Dr Ambedkars towering legacy in advancing democracy dignity womens empowerment and justice for historically marginalized communities Mhaske said reported PTIMhaske expressed gratitude to Adams noting that iquestthis proclamation is more than symbolic It is a moral declaration that positions New York as a global capital for human rights and justiceDr Santosh Raut visiting professor of the Harvard Divinity School said that Dr Ambedkars message to the world today would be fourfold on democracy deeper harmony oppression and discrimination and peace reported PTIAmbedkar would urge us and organizations like the UN to strengthen the participatory mechanisms that give voice to the traditionally excluded from decisionmaking process Raut saidWith inputs from PTIatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params