Page 28 - The Indian EYE 042525

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 25, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

NYC Mayor Eric Adams signs

proclamation to honor Dr Ambedkar

Dr Ambedkar studied at Columbia University in New York, where his

philosophy on justice and democracy was profoundly shaped

OUR BUREAU

New York, NY
ew York City has proclaimed
April 14 as “Dr Bhimrao
NRamji Ambedkar Day,” rec-
ognising the principal architect of In-
dia’s Constitution on what would be
his 134th birth anniversary.
Mayor Eric Adams signed the
proclamation to honour Dr Ambed-
kar, who is revered globally as a pi-
oneering champion of human rights
and social justice.
The proclamation acknowledges
Dr Ambedkar’s enduring legacy in
advancing democracy, dignity, and
justice for historically marginalised
communities.
“Dr Ambedkar advocated
against exploitation and spent his life
fighting for diversity, equity, and in-
clusion, which have long defined the
five boroughs,” Mayor Adams stated
in the proclamation.
At a celebration in New York, The successful campaign for the followers of Dr Ambedkar.” ed as one of the world’s most inclu-
Minister of Social Justice and Em- He added that this recognition sive founding documents.
powerment Ramdas Athawale said, the New York proclamation was of the work of Dr Ambedkar will be “Ours is a battle not for wealth
“His journey from Columbia to cre- led by Deelip Mhaske, presi- “extraordinary” for the members of or power. It is a battle for freedom,”
ating the future of India shows how the community and those who be- Dr Ambedkar once said.
New York has nurtured the world’s dent of the Foundation for Hu- lieve in him. The Columbia alumnus, who
greatest minds.” man Horizon, who in 2016 ini- He expressed gratitude on be- died in 1956, is remembered for his
Calling Ambedkar a great lead- half of the entire Indian diaspora rallying cry to “educate, agitate, or-
er, he said that Ambedkar’s anniver- tiated the first Ambedkar birth and said, “We are really thankful to ganise!” -- a message that resonates
sary will be celebrated in the United anniversary celebration at UN Mayor Adam for making Ambedkar with social justice movements world-
Nations’ Office in New York. a global icon.” wide.
Dilip Chauhan, the Deputy Headquarters with the blessing Mhaske is instrumental in cele- April 14 is now commemorated
Commissioner for Trade, Invest- of Indian Prime Minister Naren- brating Dr Ambedkar’s birth anni- in over 100 countries through parlia-
ment, and Innovation in the NYC versary at the UN, where leaders and ments, UN missions, and academic
Mayor’s Office for Internation- dra Modi. representatives from 195 countries institutions.
al Affairs, also spoke about Dr will participate in the events, organ- Helen Clark, former UNDP
Ambedkar. “This proclamation is more than ised by the Foundation For Human Administrator and New Zealand
In his remarks, he said, “Dr. symbolic--it is a moral declaration Horizon, a day-long celebration ded- Prime Minister, previously not-
Ambedkar showed us that inclu- that positions New York as a global icated to Dr Ambedkar. ed at the United Nations that “Dr
sion is not a favor but a fundamen- capital for human rights and justice,” Ambedkar studied at Columbia Ambedkar’s vision continues to
tal right. He taught us to confront Mhaske said. University in New York, where his inspire our work, especially in ad-
injustice not with silence but with “The recognition comes as Dr philosophy on justice and democracy vancing inclusion, equality, and
solidarity. His legacy compels us to Ambedkar’s message continues to was profoundly shaped -- ideas that dignity for all.”
build bridges across cultures, am- resonate with contemporary strug- would eventually help liberate more Last year, New York became
plify the voices of the oppressed, gles against inequality worldwide,” than 300 million people from institu- the first American city to dedicate
and challenge the systems that per- Mhaske added. tional discrimination in India. a street in Dr Ambedkar’s honour,
petuate inequality, wherever they He noted that this initiative His work culminated in drafting co-naming East 63rd Street in Man-
may be.” “means a lot for the community and India’s Constitution, widely regard- hattan as “Dr BR Ambedkar Way.”

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