PM Modi appreciates Dr. Ambedkar's vision for women empowerment, India's federal structure, finance & education on the eve of 60th death anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today released two commemorative coins, as part of the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The coins, which are of "ten-rupee" and "one hundred and twenty-five rupee" denomination, were issued on the Mahaparinirvan Divas of Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Images of Chaitanya Yatra First Phase

Prime Minister Sri.Narendra Modi's Visit to Ambedkar's London House

 PM Narendra Modi received by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis at Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Memorial in London. (Source: Twitter/@PIB_India)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday inaugurated B R Ambedkar memorial in London.

Maharashtra government has decided to transform the house where Ambedkar lived in London into an international memorial cum research centre.

The 2050 sq ft property on King Henry’s Road in London is a three storeyed structure where Ambedkar lived while pursuing his studies (DSC) in London School of Economics in year 1921-22. Ambedkar, a scholar also wrote papers on economics during this period.

In a simple ceremony that marked unveiling the statue of Ambedkar in the courtyard, Modi and Fadnavis recalled the immense contribution made by Ambedkar to empower the socio-economically backward sections in the society.

Modi after visiting the London House of Ambedkar said, “Ambedkar’s message of equality and justice continues to resonate.”

Maharashtra CM who accompanied Modi took him around the house. The chief minister had requested the prime minister to visit Ambedkar’s London House when he had come for bhoomi pujan of Ambedkar’s grand memorial at Indu Mills in Mumbai a couple of months ago.

Fadnavis described the event as “historic moment in London.” He said, “I was overwhelmed as I entered the house where Ambedkar lived while pursuing his studies in London School of Economics. It was indeed a very proud moment. I am sure this memorial would continue to remain a great inspiration for the generations to come ahead.”

The initiative to acquire the private property in London was taken by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The property was purchased for Rs 40 crore. On October 31, 2014 after taking the charge of Maharashtra government Fadnavis pledged to buy the London House of Ambedkar.

Fadnavis moved a formal proposal to seek the unanimous consent of all his colleagues in the cabinet. Earlier, he had already sought the consent from prime minister.

The entire process of acquiring the property and completion of paper work was done on September 24, 2015. The chief minister had deputed cabinet minister for social justice Rajesh Badole and junior minister Dilip Kamble to park in London and get the paperwork done.

According to Fadnavis, “It is like a dream come true. Babasaheb Ambekdar’s struggle for social equality and justice has a universal appeal.”

Fadnavis said, “Our government has decided to award scholarship to two dalit students every year to study in London School of Economics.”

The 125 year old structure is likely to be redesigned as per the plans drawn by the state government and consultation with overseas authorities. Fadnavis said, “Today, lot of works of Ambedkar remain under wraps. We would like people who tour London (foreigners and domestic) to visit Ambedkar centre. It is our endeavor to make Ambedkar’s writings global.”

It was in August-September 2014, Federation of Ambedkarites and Buddhist Organisations (FABO) based on London informed about the London House auction.

The state minister for social justice Rajesh Badole, RPI chief ramdas Athavale and other dalit representatives like Surekha Kumbhare were also present at the London event.

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pm-modi-inaugurates-ambedkar-memorial-in-london/#sthash.PfKguYNk.dpuf

Visit Programe of SC/ST Employees leaders

Meeting of SC/ST representatives with Honorable Minister sri Ravisankar Prasad

Excited About UK Visit, Will Visit 'Ambedkar House': PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Ambedkar Memorial during UK visit.

New Delhi:  In an effort to reach out to the Dalits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invoked BR Ambedkar in the context of his upcoming trip to Britain, saying he was excited about it as he would be visiting the Dalit icon's house there.

"A day after Diwali (November 11), I am going to Britain.... I am excited about my visit to Britain and the reason for it is special. A few weeks back, I had gone to Mumbai to lay foundation stone for a big memorial for Ambedkar....

"Now, in London, I will formally inaugurate the house where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar lived, which recently became Indian government's property and a place of inspiration for 125 crore Indians," he said.

On his first visit to Britain, Prime Minister Modi is expected to have a two-day stay there before travelling to Turkey to attend the G-20 Summit. During his visit to Britain, he will hold talks with Prime Minister David Cameron and meet other leaders besides addressing the Indian diaspora at Wembley stadium.

He noted that the issue related to acquisition of 'Ambedkar House' had been entangled for several years and now it is the property of 125 crore Indians.

"When Ambedkar's name is associated, you can imagine how much happiness people like me have," the Prime Minister said.

He said Ambedkar was an inspiration for the dalits, the oppressed, the deprived, the backwards and all other Indians who live a difficult life that if there is will power, one can make progress in life and get educated. "This is the place (in London) where Ambedkar did his devotion."

The Prime Minister said the central government also encourages capable Dalit youth. 

Courtesy:ndtv.com

Data on the representation of Other Backward Classes in Central Government Services - Meeting taken by the Parliamentary Committee of Welfare of Other Backward Classes held on 14.10.2015.

Documents copy marked to SC/ST association is a welcome gesture

Address Indian edifice shortfalls through Dr Ambedkar’s three-point correctives, says VP Ansari on 18.10.2015

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari on Saturday called for the implementation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s three-point corrective – using constitutional methods of achieving social and economic objectives, not laying our liberties at the feet of even a great man and making our political democracy a social democracy as well – in order to address the shortfalls that are corroding the edifice so diligently put in place by the Founding Fathers of the Republic.
Addressing the Third Convocation of the Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) here, Ansari said the Constitution of India embodies the modern concept of rule of law with the establishment of a judicial system, which should be able to work impartially and free from all influences, adding that the constitutional and juridical framework were thus impeccable.

Questioning the extent to which we as a polity are implementing the principles and procedures of rule of law in actual practice, the Vice President said that both in terms of procedural technicalities, and substantive content, there a sense of unease with regard to the working of the rule of law.

The answer, Ansari said, is to be sought in the functioning, or malfunctioning, of the institutions of the state.
Quoting a United Nations Research Institute for Social Development study, he said Parliament is increasingly becoming ineffective in providing surveillance of the executive branch of the government.
With regard to the executive, he opined that the balance between its political and professional components has been disturbed and was evident in the functioning of the civil service and particularly of the police.
As for the judiciary, Ansari said that while the traditional public esteem for the judiciary has been reinforced by its activism in contrast to the failure of the executive, particularly in expanding the ambit of rights, lack of access to justice, the high cost of it, delays in the delivery of justice, lack of a mechanism for accountability and allegations of corruption have, together, given rise to doubts and added to the pervasive pessimism about the efficacy of institutions. Another area of concern is the excessive zeal reflected at times in pronouncements of members of the judiciary, he added.
The event was attended by the Chief Justice of India, H.L. Dattu, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh, Mr. Justice Navin Sinha, the state’s Higher Education Minister, Prem Prakash Pandey, Chhattisgarh Law Ministeri Mahesh Gagda, HNLU the Vice Chancellor Dr. Sukh Pal Singh, HNLU Registrar Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava and other dignitaries.

New block inaugurated at Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management

CHANDIGARH: Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management inaugurated its additional block on Tuesday. It has been added to cater to the needs for supplementing the space for classrooms and laboratories arising from increased intake of students with 27% reservations for OBC candidates.

UT adviser Vijay Kumar Dev inaugurated the new block spread over an area of 11,306 square feet and comprises three floors along with basement that have classrooms and practical laboratories. The entire project cost Rs 991.15 lakh, funded by ministry of tourism.

Dev inspected the building and spoke to the students about the importance of inculcating new technology and adding new infrastructure to the existing so that students get updated knowledge with the latest technologies available.

Bharti Tyagi, principal of the institute, said, "Education is one of the most powerful weapons which one can use to change the world." She also ensured the new block will be well equipped with all the state-of-the-art facilities like modern laboratories, training restaurant, training kitchens, laundry, dining hall, smart classrooms with multi-media facilities in due course of time.

Courtesy:TOI

Centre asks schools, varsities to observe November 26 as Constitution Day

"To celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner, a national committee was constituted under the PM, which has recommended that the following activities be undertaken in your esteemed university," read the University Grants Commission (UGC) circular issued to universities on September 23. The circular also directed the varsities to submit an action taken report to UGC by October 15.

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• A file photo of Dr BR Ambedkar with his wife Dr Sharada Kabir

The central government has directed schools, colleges and universities across India to celebrate November 26 as the Constitution Day every year to spread awareness about the Constitution among youths. India's constitution was adopted by the constituent assembly on November 26, 1949, and it came into force on January 26, 1950.
On the Constitution Day, educational institutions will ensure that the document's preamble is read on their campuses and will also organise seminars on the topic. A national committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision in this regard. The move aims at honouring Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, on his 125th birth anniversary.
"To celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner, a national committee was constituted under the PM, which has recommended that the following activities be undertaken in your esteemed university," read the University Grants Commission (UGC) circular issued to universities on September 23. The circular also directed the varsities to submit an action taken report to UGC by October 15.
According to the sources, The BJP-led central government has been working hard to appropriate the legacy of Ambedkar, with an eye on the Dalit vote bank ahead of the crucial UP and Bihar Assembly polls. The Dalits in the two states have largely been supporting regional parties, which are in power at present, and the Congress.
Congress is trying its best to not lose any ground. In June, the party had organised a big event in Ambekdar's birthplace Mhow (MP) to celebrate the centenary of his post-graduation from the Columbia University. Party's national vice-president Rahul Gandhi had turned it into a major event – as a milestone in India's history – a move that surprised many. The party also launched a career guidance centre in the name of the noted leader in Mumbai recently.
SC/ST students may be encouraged to study at private varsities
Admission of students belonging to SC/ST in private universities may be encouraged, says the circular citing committee's recommendation. The decision, however, has raised many eyebrows. "Is the Union government implying that private universities are better than the Central and state Universities?" asked a professor of Mumbai University. Another professor commented, "The government reimburses the fee of SC/ST students in the state-run and Centrally funded institutions. Is the government going to reimburse the fee for private universities also, which charge a hefty amount?

Gautam Buddha's ashes to travel from Sri Lanka to Maharashtra next week

The mortal remains will be brought to Nagpur, ahead of the international Buddhist conference, and then taken in a rath to various districts in state and also to neighbouring Raipur

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• A graphical representation of the rath in which Gautam Buddha’s mortal remains will be taken across the state

Presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the people of Maharashtra, especially the Buddhists, Gautam Buddha's ashes will be being brought to India next week for a 10-day trip of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
The urn containing the mortal remains will be brought to Nagpur airport on October 14. Then, it will be taken on a rath across the state, covering Nagpur, Bhandara, Sakoli, Gondia, Chandrapur, Rajnandgaon, Durg, Bhilai and Raipur. It will return to Dragan Palace in Kamptee and then Nagpur, and will be sent back to Sri Lanka on October 24.
Minister for social justice and special assistance Raj Kumar Badole is instrumental in making this trip happen. "I visited Sri Lanka last month and met the organisers of the Lankan Mahabodhi Society. They agreed to facilitate this trip. This is the first time the ashes of Buddha and his disciples will be on display."
Buddhist groups in India are coordinating the programme. The ashes will be on display at the first International Buddhists Conference 2015 in Nagpur on October 20-21, a day before Dussehra. Nagpur is where Dr BR Ambedkar accepted Buddhism on October 14, 1956, along with several followers.
"India is where Buddha spent his life, attained enlightenment and mahaparinirvan. This is the land where Buddhism took birth. The government is supporting the event with an aim to project our heritage," said Badole, who is also a follower of Buddha.
The urn will have tight security, said Badole. Insurance cover has also been given, though the amount could not be obtained immediately.
The ashes coming to India belong to Neelagiri Seya, the largest Buddhist Stupa in the eastern province of Sri Lanka. The stupa, located in the Lahugala Forest Reserve, has been neglected for over three decades, owing to LTTE activities in the area. It is supposed to be built in third century BC. It was excavated by the country's archaeological department a couple of years back.
On the historical significance of these ashes, Yojna Bhagat, a professor of Pali and Buddhist studies at Mumbai university, said, "These are not ashes but relics of Buddha. When Buddha died in 6th century BC, his ashes were distributed in eight parts for eight royal kingdoms and preserved at eight different stupas in North India. In 3rd century BC, King Ashoka dug out one stupa and redistributed the relics to 84,000 places across the world, which helped spread Buddhism. His son Mahendra took a tooth relic of Buddha to Sri Lanka, which is still kept in a big temple. Relics which were found much later in the archaeological excavation in Lanka are often taken abroad for followers."
"The relics in India are bound to stupas. A few excavated by the Archeological Survey of India are kept in museums and at the Golden Pagoda in Gorai and are not allowed to travel," added Bh

Government Releases Stamp on Dr Ambedkar; to Release Coin on Him

New Delhi:  Government today released a commemorative postal stamp on Dr BR Ambedkar and said it will come out with a coin in his honour.

Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad released the stamp. The government is celebrating 125th birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar this year.

The coin is slated to be released in honour of the legendary social reformer and approval from the Finance Ministry has already been received.

"The approval from Finance Ministry was received three days back to come out with a coin in honour of Dr Ambedkar," Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot said.

Speaking during the occasion, Mr Prasad also questioned why Bharat Ratna was given to Dr Ambedkar so late after his death. Dr Ambedkar was given the highest civilian award in 1990 whereas he died in 1956. 

Courtesy:NDTV.COM

Grant of informal meeting with Honorable PMG, Hyderabad Region, Hyderabad-500001

Commemorative Stamp on former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

he Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi released the commemorative stamp on the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, on his 84th birth anniversary celebrations, at DRDO Bhawan, in New Delhi on 15th October, 2015. The Union Ministers, Shri Manohar Parrikar, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and Dr. Harsh Vardhan were also present on the occasion.

Deputation of Sri M.Venkateswarlu, PMG Kochi to AP State Govt

bhogapuram-village

Andhra Pradesh government, which has fast tracked the development of International Airport at Bhogapuram , Viziangaram district, has appointed  Sri.M Venkateswaralu, an Indian Postal Service officer, as the managing director. A 1992 batch IPoS officer, Vekateswarlu is now postmaster general in Kerala. It may be recalled here government recently has set up Bhogapuram International Airport Corporation Limited (BIACL) to implement the airport development project.Sri. Venkateswarlu will also look after the Inland Water Ways Authority works also. Government has authorized the BIACL to approach the lending institution to mobilize loans for the construction of the airport. With the appointment of Venkateswarlu, the works are expected to be expedited

Reiteration of the instructions on verification of claims of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes for purpose of appointment to posts/services

No scrapping of quota, says Modi

Mr. Modi’s remark comes a day before 49 Assembly segments in Bihar will go to polls on Monday in the first of the five-phased State elections.

Arguing that the BJP had done more to preserve the legacy of Dr B.R. Ambedkar than its political rivals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, ruled out scrapping of reservation system and attacked BJP’s political opponents for spreading malicious propaganda that reservations could end if BJP is voted to power.

Mr. Modi’s remark comes a day before 49 Assembly segments in Bihar will go to polls on Monday in the first of the five-phased State elections, and rivals JD(U) and the RJD Dal have made reservations for backward classes a poll issue. “Jo bhi Ambedkar ne diya usko koi rok nahi sakta (Whatever Ambedkar has given us, and no one can take it away),” Mr. Modi said .

He was speaking at a public rally at MMRDA grounds after laying the foundation stones for two new Mumbai metro projects that will decongest western suburbs.

The BJP leader, who paid homage to Dr. Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi, and laid the foundation stone of Dr Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mills in Dadar, devoted a considerable part of the speech to Dr Ambedkar. Describing him as “Mahapurush”, Mr. Modi said the social reformer faced a life of hardship and constant struggle, but harboured no bitterness or sought revenge when he wrote the Constitution.

“If Babasaheb Ambedkar wasn't there, where would Modi be? Where would ordinary people like us be without Dr Ambedkar?” he said describing BJP’s recent initiatives to invoke Dr Ambedkar’s legacy as an attempt to pay back with gratitude.

Mr. Modi announced that November 26, the day the Constitution came into force, would be celebrated in a big way as the Samvidhan Divas in all schools across the country. “If we call Ambedkar as belonging to Dalits in the absence of a long term vision, it will be a great injustice to him. He belonged to everyone,” he said.

Mr. Modi said his government had planned to develop and preserve five landmarks in Dr Ambedkar’s life, referring to them as “Panchteerth”.

Apart from Indu Mill memorial, he named Dr Ambedkar’s birthplace in Mau, Madhya Pradesh, his Alipur Road residence in New Delhi, his parents’village in coastal Maharashtra, and his London house where he stayed during his stint at the London School of Economics now purchased by the Maharashtra government.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced that his government would scrap the criminal cases lodged against Ambedkarite groups who staged several agitations demanding the memorial at Indu Mill.

courtesy:The Hindu