PM Modi credits his political career to BR Ambedkar, calls him leader of 'humanity'

Describing BR Ambedkar as a victim of "political untouchability", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday credited the key architect of the Constitution for his own growth in politics. PM Modi today laid the foundation stone of Dr BR Ambedkar International Centre here, and said, “If Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was not there, where would Narendra Modi be...I think about this often.”

New Delhi: Describing BR Ambedkar as a victim of "political untouchability", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday credited the key architect of the Constitution for his own growth in politics. 

PM Modi today laid the foundation stone of Dr BR Ambedkar International Centre here, and said, “If Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was not there, where would have been Narendra Modi...I think about this often.”   

Personally, Babasaheb is a very big inspiration. It is due to him that I have been able to reach where I am today. pic.twitter.com/cBtE6gOOQK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 20, 2015

With the inauguration of the international convention centre of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Modi government has achieved something great in just eight months, what various other governments at the Centre could not do in the past 25 years.

According to reports, Narendra Modi-led NDA government is leaving no stone unturned to win over Dalits and looks prepared to cash in on 'Dalit icon' BR Ambedkar.

While addressing the party members here, shortly after the inauguration ceremony, PM gave credit to Ambedkar for his successful political career. “Its due to Dr Babsaheb Ambedkar that I reached here today. It pains me when I hear he was a Dalit leader. He was a leader of humanity,” he said.

He said Babasaheb had created great Constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission and Finance Commission, in which the entire nation had immense faith and confidence even today.

“Even today, what Dr Ambedkar said is very important for all governments. The best tribute to Dr Ambedkar is to educate everyone. He emphasised on education throughout his life," PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi further said Babasaheb united society, and India must make sure that the whole world recognizes his immense contribution to mankind.

"Back then, Dr Ambedkar realised the importance of free and fair elections and an Independent Election Commission was born. Society must know about this inspiring personality," he added.

PM said Babasaheb represented a combination of Samata (equality) and Mamata (motherly love), which brought about Samrasta (social harmony).

Over the dedication of this great leader towards uniting the society, PM Modi said, "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar always believed in integrating society, he never believed in dividing society." 

Emphasising on women empowerment, PM Modi said, "Dr Ambedkar was concerned about empowerment of women."

Noting that this project had been conceived in 1992 - more than 20 years ago - Prime Minister Modi said he was distressed at the delay in the initialization of this project and emphasized that his Government had resolved to complete the work within 20 months.

He urged the concerned departments to ensure a world-class quality of construction.

Prime Minister took to Twitter to inform about the inauguration ceremony, shortly before reaching the venue.

Will lay foundation stone of Dr. Ambedkar International Centre. http://t.co/vnR2RtTo8E pic.twitter.com/hAkjLYRFoD — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 20, 2015

As per reports, the estimated budget for the international convention centre, museum and library named after Dr BR Ambedkar is Rs 198 crore.

According to the available information, way back in 1990, a national committee, set up to celebrate the birth centenary of Ambedkar under the chairmanship of then prime minister VP Singh, had recommended construction of the international centre. 

A great social reformer, Dr Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891 at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. He dedicated his entire life for the uplifting of the deprived sections of society.

As a member of the Constitution-drafting committee, Ambedkar provided constitutional guarantees and protections for a wide range of civil liberties for individual citizens. This included the right to freedom of religion, the abolition of untouchability and the outlawing of all forms of discrimination.