HC’s Remarks on Amedkar Jayanti 2026

(MGICC, 14.04.2026)

• Dr Indira Ramperad, Head of Political Science Department at the University of West Indies
• Justice Anthony Gafoor, Chair of the Tax Appeal Court of T&T
• Shri Dev Duggal & Mrs Duggal
• Colleagues from the High Commission and MGICC
• Ladies & Gentlemen!!

Sita Ram, Namaste, Good Evening!

Today, is the day to commemorate the life and legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. B R. Ambedkar. All over the world, we proudly celebrate the genius of the father of the Constitution, that one great book which is the foundation of India. And the best way of paying tribute is to advance democracy and freedoms, because he did so much to institutionalize them in India. 

The legacy that he has left, has actually become even more valuable with the passage of time. 

This is also a time when not just in India, but, actually, the world is once again debating the virtues of democracy. And at this time, Dr. Ambedkar’s views provide a compass for clarity and action. 

Our homage to Dr. Ambedkar should be to take forward his work, in implementing the Indian Constitution, as one of the most powerful instruments of peaceful social change in the world. 

Today, Dr. Ambedkar’s vision, Dr. Ambedkar’s aspirations, they are actually the blueprint that will guide us as our nation moves towards the centenary of our independence: Azadi ka Amrit Kal what our PM has termed with defined goals for a developed India – Viksit Bharat

As a lifelong crusader against injustice and oppression, Babasaheb linked freedom to equality, to social emancipation and to women empowerment. He thought beyond orthodox politics to advance the real meaning of democracy. 

His egalitarian ideas, based on philosophical and moral reasoning, helped to fashion India’s Constitution. 

You all know, he was the Chairman of its Drafting Committee. And as Independent India’s first Law minister, he played a key role in framing laws that corrected age-old social ills, while guaranteeing human rights to the underprivileged and the poor. 

We shall always be indebted to Babasaheb for his seminal contribution to the making of modern India.

His accomplishment as a brilliant student won him a scholarship to pursue higher education at Columbia University in New York. He did his Major, Masters and PhD in economics from there. His years in the United States had a very profound impact on him as a freedom fighter, political thinker, but, most of all, as a social reformer. 

The welfare of the common person and upholding their socio economic as well as political rights-these were articles of faith for him. In that sense, Dr. Ambedkar has a universal relevance and must be recognized by all nations who are seeking to build a fairer society, overcoming discrimination and injustice.

While better known for his political work and constitutional expertise, Babasaheb was a very deep economic thinker. He was a champion of self-employment and entrepreneurship. 

The work ethic and competitiveness had an impact in shaping his ideas about growth, about economic opportunities, about income generation and job-creation. These are actually, the very ideas that are the driving force of our Atmanirbhar Bharat. His ideas, his vision, his message, actually determine and influence and guide what our Govt does in service of the people. 

So today, in a way, is an occasion to recall both our ethos as well as modern moorings because Dr. Ambedkar’s teachings seek to bridge them. 

His life stands as a shining example of kindness and compassion, of social harmony and justice for all. 

On Ambedkar Jayanti, let us pledge to follow in his footsteps and work towards building a society that truly embodies the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity as envisioned by Dr. Ambedkar. 

Let us remember his legacy and continue to work for the betterment of our society.

Once again, on this important Jayanti, I convey my warm wishes to all of you, and thank you.

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