The birth anniversary of the author of the Constitution, Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar, was celebrated with enthusiasm at his birthplace Mhow on Sunday.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan offered floral tribute at the memorial. He demanded the Centre hand over land of the memorial to the State Government.
On the occasion, a national unity and social harmony convention was also held. Addressing the convention, Chouhan said he was not the chief guest, but visiting devotees were. He said Babasaheb had done outstanding work to safeguard self-respect of dalits and increased spirit of social harmony. His birthplace is a venerable place.
Chouhan said, “We feel proud by constructing a grand memorial at Ambedkar’s birthplace. Grandeur of the memorial will be enhanced further.” He said Mhow will be developed as a centre of pilgrimage. Construction of memorial was our bounden duty which we have discharged successfully. The Chief Minister said that this Mahakumbh does not belong to any party or individual, but is the programme of entire society and nation. He said that delay in receipt of permission for holding this event from the Union Defence Ministry is unfortunate. Urging the Union Government, he said that the land on which Mahakumbh is held every year should be handed over to the State Government. In lieu of it, double land will be provided to the Defence Ministry. He said that standing permission should be given for this event so that it can be held more systematically every year. He said that we owe to Baba Saheb Ambedkar. He also reiterated commitment for constructing a grand memorial at Baba Saheb’s Parinirwasan Sthal in Delhi.
SC, ST Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah said that Ambedkar Mahakumbh is a historic event. It will be given even more grand shape. Giving information about the schemes launched for welfare of scheduled castes, he said that the State Government has launched a new scheme under which 100 students each of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes will be imparted free coaching for competitive exams conducted for All-India Administrative Services.