The Consulate General of India, San Francisco, in association with the Indo-American Community in Bay Area of San Francisco, celebrated the 125th Birthday of ‘Bharat Ratna Dr. B R Ambedkar on 14th April, 2016 (Thursday) at India Community Centre, Milpitas from 5.00 PM onwards. Approximately 500-600 people representing several Indian- American Community Associations have participated in the event. In addition, many academics, social activists, local officials and the media persons have also attended the event.
The event was inaugurated by Consul General Ambassador Shri Venkatesan Ashok by lightning the lamp. He also paid floral tributes to the photograph of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Later, a Souvenir was also released on the occasion.
In his inaugural address, Consul General underlined Dr. Ambedkar’ s contributions towards bringing social change in India through constitutional means. He highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s efforts in bringing about social justice by doing away with various divisions in society. He praised Dr. Ambedkar’s work towards making India modern, and described his contribution towards the nation-building as precious and special. He mentioned Dr. Ambedkar’s invaluable role in making the Constitution of India and his emphasis on the need for the use of constitutional means in the process of addressing challenges before the nation. In his address, Prof. Ronki Ram, Head of the Department of Political Science, Punjab University, Chandigarh, highlighted various aspects of Dr. Ambedkar’s multifaceted personality, his social movement and his contribution towards building India a Nation. The event was also addressed by Shri O.P. Balley, Member of Supreme Committee of Shri Guru Ravi Das Temples, Shri Harmesh Kumar, Community leader, Concord and also by Shri Ram Kumar of Ambedkar International Centre. Several Cultural programmes including classical dances and songs were performed by participants from different cultural schools in the Bay Area and by well known singers. A short film on the life of Dr. Ambedkar was also screened during the event. Later, Consul General presented certificates of appreciation to all participants/organizers of the event. The program ended with a vote of thanks, which was followed by a dinner reception.
