Dr B R Ambedkar best nationalist Mother Earth has ever produced: Vice President

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said that Dr B R Ambedkar not just gave the country the best constitution in the world, but is also the "best nationalist" the Mother Earth ever produced.

Speaking at the second Dr Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on the 136th birth anniversary celebration of the Dalit icon here, he noted that the occasion provides an opportunity to reconnect with the moral and intellectual foundations of the nation.

Highlighting Dr Ambedkar’s life journey, the Vice President said despite immense hardships, he transformed challenges into opportunities through perseverance, scholarship, and commitment to justice.

He emphasized that Dr Ambedkar firmly believed education to be the key to social transformation, stating that true freedom begins with education.

"Dr Ambedkar taught us that education and wisdom can challenge the most powerful of regimes. He also asserted that the best democracy is the most inclusive democracy," he said.

Underscoring the Dalit icon's intellectual brilliance, Radhakrishnan said the seminal work “The Problem of the Rupee” underlined Dr Ambedkar's courage in questioning colonial economic policies.

Referring to Dr Ambedkar’s pivotal role in drafting the Constitution, the Vice-President said through his leadership across extensive deliberations, he laid the foundation of an inclusive India rooted in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He described the Constitution of India as one of the "most comprehensive democratic charters in the world".

He also underscored Ambedkar’s progressive vision on gender equality, recalling his emphasis on women’s empowerment as a measure of societal progress. He highlighted the growing participation and achievements of women across sectors and the government’s initiatives supporting women-led development.

Radhakrishnan said the aspiration of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires collective effort guided by constitutional values. He said a developed India must be inclusive, equitable, innovative, and rooted in democratic principles.

Highlighting the development of the Panch-Teerth associated with Dr. Ambedkar’s life, he said these sites serve as enduring sources of inspiration for future generations. He called upon citizens to work together towards building a just and inclusive society, which would be the true tribute to Dr Ambedkar.

"Panchteerth" refers to five key places associated with the life of Dr B R Ambedkar, developed by the Indian government as a pilgrimage circuit to honor his legacy.

Coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these sites include his birth, education, conversion to Buddhism, death, and cremation spots, fostering inspiration, particularly for the new generation.