Ambedkar’s birth anniversary to be observed for first time at UN

Architect of the Indian Constitution and dalit rights activist B R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary will be observed next week at the United Nations for the first time with focus on combating inequalities to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN in association with the Kalpana Saroj Foundation and Foundation For Human Horizon will commemorate Ambedkar’s 125^th birth anniversary on April 13 in the UN headquarters, a day before his birthday.

“The landmark 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognises that combating inequality within and among countries, creating sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth and fostering inclusion are interdependent. The vision of Dr. BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, to achieve social justice and equality also finds resonance in the core message of the 2030 Agenda,” the Indian mission said in a press release issued today.

On the occasion, a panel discussion will be organised on the topic ‘Combating inequalities for the achievement of SDGs’ with the objective of raising awareness on the importance of  addressing all forms of inequality for the achievement of  Sustainable Development Goals.

United Nations Development Group Chair and Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Helen Clark will deliver the keynote speech. Clark is among the diplomats nominated for the position of the new Secretary General.

“Babasaheb’s birth anniversary to be observed at UN for 1^st time with focus on combating inequalities to achieve SDGs,” India’s envoy to the UN Syed Akbaruddin had tweeted.

A note circulated by the Indian mission said as India celebrates the 125^th birth anniversary of the “national icon”, Babasaheb remains an inspiration for millions of Indians and proponents of equality and social justice across the globe.

“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,” it said.

Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891. He died in 1956.

The event is expected to be bring together political leaders, senior UN officials, diplomats, academia, civil society and private sector from India, US and other parts of the world, the mission said.