The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations (PMI) hosted a special event titled “Timeless Appeal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Vision in the United Nations and Beyond,” on April 14, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. 

The occasion marked the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, the world’s largest written constitution. Throughout his life, Dr. Ambedkar championed the principles of “equality, social justice, and empowerment.”

India’s Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, delivered the keynote address, describing Dr. Ambedkar as a global advocate for “equality, dignity and democracy.” 

He outlined several flagship initiatives launched by the Government of India aimed at translating Dr. Ambedkar’s vision into impactful action, spanning areas such as education, vocational training, and livelihood development. Minister Athawale also emphasized the enduring relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador P. Harish underscored Dr. Ambedkar’s advocacy for “modernization, industrialization, and urbanization,” all rooted in the pursuit of inclusive progress and human happiness.

He highlighted the alignment between the core principles of the UN Charter and Dr. Ambedkar’s emphasis on fraternity as both a foundational element of nation-building and a guiding force in international relations.

The Ambassador further reflected on Dr. Ambedkar’s emphasis on “constitutional morality,” connecting it to India’s progressive initiatives, particularly those advancing gender equality. Speaking in the context of UN reform and the upcoming UN@80 milestone in 2025, Ambassador Harish remarked, “we cannot have the morality of 1945 guiding the conduct between nations and peoples in 2025.”

Visiting Professor at Harvard Divinity School, Dr. Santosh Raut, echoed Ambedkar’s democratic ethos, quoting, “democracy is not merely a form of government but primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience.”

Dr. Raut stressed the importance of constitutional protections for marginalized communities, noting that political equality alone cannot dismantle entrenched social hierarchies.

In a special announcement, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Innovation at the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Dilip Chauhan, noted that New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially proclaimed April 14, 2025, as Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Day.

“Today is a historic day. New York City Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed April 14, 2025, as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Day in NYC – 8.5 million New York City residents will be celebrating with you,” Chauhan said, presenting the proclamation to Minister Athawale.

In his address, Chauhan described Dr. Ambedkar as “a towering figure in the global fight for justice, equality, and human dignity,” adding that he was not only the chief architect of the Indian Constitution but also “a visionary thinker, a tireless reformer, and an advocate for the marginalized.”

He emphasized the global resonance of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals, particularly in New York City – a metropolis built by immigrants, energized by its diversity, and united by its shared belief in opportunity and inclusion.

“Dr. Ambedkar showed us that inclusion is not a favor but a fundamental right. He taught us to confront injustice not with silence but with solidarity,” he added. “His legacy compels us to build bridges across cultures, amplify the voices of the oppressed, and challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality, wherever they may be.”

Chauhan noted that under Mayor Adams’ leadership, New York City continues to uphold the values Dr. Ambedkar championed. With over 800 languages spoken and communities from every corner of the world, he said the city embodies Ambedkar’s belief that “true unity can only come from mutual respect and equal opportunity,” he added.

The event was attended by Permanent Representatives from various missions to the United Nations, members of the diplomatic corps, the Indian diaspora, students, and other distinguished guests.

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