Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, describing him as a global symbol of hope, dignity and social justice.

The Governor, CM, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and state ministers visited Dr Ambedkar’s memorial, Chaityabhoomi, located in Mumbai’s Dadar area, in the morning to pay homage to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. A large number of people gathered at the memorial to pay homage to Ambedkar.

Addressing a function at Chaityabhoomi, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said Dr Ambedkar laid a strong constitutional foundation that enabled India to emerge as a vibrant democracy. He also recalled Ambedkar’s role as Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, ensuring fundamental rights, the abolition of untouchability and provisions for affirmative action for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He stated that Dr Ambedkar was a strong advocate of gender equality who ensured equal rights and universal adult franchise in the country.

Speaking at Chaityabhoomi, Fadnavis said Ambedkar showed how ‘one individual, one pen and one book’ could transform a nation through the Constitution. He noted that Ambedkar’s contributions extended beyond social reform to economic thought, including his work on monetary policy and the Indian rupee, which influenced the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India. Mr Fadnavis said Ambedkar’s ideas on purchasing power and economic reform remain relevant in the modern global economy.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation organised a tree plantation and blood donation drive to mark the occasion.