Modi tells BJP MPs to spread Ambedkar vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked party MPs to spread dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar’s vision and principles among the masses.

Addressing the BJP Parliamentary Party, the Prime Minister also spoke about the upcoming birth anniversaries of BJP stalwart and former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and spiritual leader Swami Viveknanda, asking members to start projects which they deem fit on the former Prime Minister’s birthday on December 25.

Mr Modi said his government had given “maximum respect” to Dr Ambedkar as he spoke about the Centre organising a number of events related to Dr Ambedkar, including the announcement of November 26 as Constitution Day and the launch of special coins to honour him.

The Prime Minister, it was learnt, told the MPs that Dr Ambedkar was so far projected as a dalit icon and for his role in the making of the Constitution but his government had worked to highlight various other facets of him, including his economic vision.

He also spoke about the year-long celebrations being organised by the government marking his 125th birth anniversary.

Noting that the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, whom the Prime Minister has often referred to as an inspiration to him, is observed as National Youth Day, he asked the party leaders to “work overtime” to spread his vision and connect youth with the BJP, sources said.