For first time, UN marks Ambedkar birthday

For the first time, the UN celebrated the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar with a top official describing the noted Indian social reformer as a “global icon” for marginalised people and voiced the world body’s commitment to work with India to fulfil his vision.

“On behalf of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), I commend India on celebrating this important anniversary at the UN,” UNDP administrator Helen Clark said in her keynote address at a special event organised by the permanent mission of In-dia to the UN to commemorate Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary for the first time at the global body.

“We are committed to continuing our very close partnership with India to help realise the vision of the 2030 Agenda and ensure that Ambedkar’s vision becomes reality for the poor and marginalised around the world,” Ms Clark, who is a candidates for the post of the next UN Secretary-General. The 125th birth anniversary of the principal architect of India’s Constitution was observed Wednesday at the world body.

The event was organised in association with civil society advocacy groups Kalpana Saroj Foundation and Foundation of Human Horizon.

Ms Clark, chair of the UN Development Group, addressed an audience of diplomats, scholars and Ambedkar’s followers and said the occasion commemorates the “legacy of a very great man” who understood “rising and persistent inequalities” pose fundamental challenges to the economic and social well-being of nations and people.