New Hampshire governor declares April 14 as Ambedkar Equality Day

Day honors father of the Indian constitution’s legacy of dedication to equality, social justice, human rights, and dignity

New Hampshire governor Christopher T Sununu has proclaimed April 14 as ‘Dr B R Ambedkar Equality Day’ to honor legacy of “a father of the Indian constitution’s” dedication to equality, social justice, human rights, and dignity.

Born in India on April 14, 1891, Ambedkar, a key architect of India’s Constitution was the first highly educated, politically influential member of the untouchable oppressed caste who championed for the rights of marginalized sections all his life, the proclamation noted.

Read: Make Ambedkar Jayanti ‘World Equality Day’: Plea at the United Nations (April 14, 2016)

New Hampshire, it noted, is the home of a diverse population of multiple races and ethnicities encompassing Native Americans, Black, Hispanic, White, South Asians, and other populations.

“Diverse communities all over the world continue to experience systemic racism, injustices, and discrimination,” the proclamation said. “The constitution of the USA, and the government of New Hampshire is committed to upholding the human rights, dignity, and equality of the population.”

Ambedkar, the proclamation noted, is best remembered today as “a Father of the Indian Constitution,” which is the largest written constitution of any country.

He was also first Minister of Law and Justice of Independent India. Dr Ambedkar contributed multidimensionally as a lawyer, journalist, educationist, economist, lawmaker, and statesman to endorse equality, justice, dignity, and fraternity in society. He was honored with the highest civilian award in India “Bharat Ratna.”

He is also recognized for revival of Buddhism in modern India to embrace the principles of compassion and nonviolence for a society that leads to liberty, equality and fraternity.

Dr B R Ambedkar Equality Day, the proclamation said “is an opportunity to remember and honor his legacy of dedication to equality, social justice, human rights, and dignity, which continues to inspire people in New Hampshire and across the world.”

Ambedkar received a Master’s Degree in 1915, PhD in economics in 1928 from Columbia University and a DSc at the London School of Economics.

Many of his ideas about equality and social justice were formed during his education at Columbia. He was also awarded an honorary degree in 1952 as “a great social reformer and a vibrant upholder of human rights” by Columbia University, the proclamation noted.