Mhow: President Ramnath Kovind has said that today the country needs harmony not war. Baba Saheb always chose the path of peace, compassion and non-violence, he added. In context of the countrys integrity, Baba Saheb said that he was an Indian first, an Indian later and will be an Indian till the end. He called upon the people to contribute towards building an India of Baba Sahebs dreams. The President told the people to live a fruitful life they must resolve to follow the message of harmony, he said.
Kovind was addressing the 127th birth celebration organized at Ambedkars birthplace Mhow near Indore on Saturday. He went to Bhim Janmabhoomi Smarak and offered floral tributes at the statue of Bharat Ratna Ambedkar and sat with Baba Sahebs followers to have lunch. The President lauded Madhya Pradesh government for organizing the Ambedkar Mahakumbh every year at Mhow. He said that Ambedkar’s birth place is a source of inspiration for the citizens of Mhow. The new generation must understand that the foundation of the creation of modern India was laid by Baba Saheb. Works like Damodar Valley, Hirakund dam and implementation of large power projects were an outcome of Baba Saheb’s progressive thinking. Ambedkar gave women the right to vote. He got the working hours of the workers reduced from 12 to 8. Women got equal rights in property. He also made significant contribution in setting up the Reserve Bank of India.
Kovind said that Baba Saheb always adopted Lord Buddha’s path of peace and non-violence. He would say when constitutional equipments of revolt are available; there is no need for violent methods. He was a great legal expert, scholar and social reformer. Democracy came alive with the power of the Constitution created by him. Weak, deprived and backward people got an opportunity to move forward, due to which they were able to contribute to the progress of the country.
Kovind said that this is his first visit to Mhow in Ambedkar’s birth place as President. It is noteworthy that he was the first President to visit the birthplace of Baba Saheb at Mhow on Ambedkar Jayanti.
The President said that the Constitution given by Baba Saheb gives the fundamental right of equality. After this the biggest right is the right of franchise which is the basis of democracy. He would say be educated, be organized and continue your struggle. Baba Saheb was an extraordinary student. He said that Babasaheb had written an article titled ‘Small Holding in India and Remedies’ at the age of 27 and proved himself as a high-ranking economist. He always adopted the path of non-violence and compassion. The President said that to say Jai Bhima means to respect the Constitution made by Baba Saheb and to honour his ideological heritage.