Inauguration on Oct 14…
The tallest statue of B R Ambedkar, outside India is set to be unveiled in Maryland on October 14, 2023, the organisers have announced.
The 19-foot statue named as 'Statue of Equality,' is part of the Ambedkar International Centre (AIC) being built on a 13-acre land in Accokeek City Maryland, nearly 35 km south of Washington.
"This will be the largest statue of Babasaheb outside the Nation and has been installed as a part of the Ambedkar Memorial being constructed at this centre," said the AIC.
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891. He was popular among his followers as Babasaheb - the chairman of the Constituent Assembly's most crucial Drafting Committee that earned him the moniker Architect of the Indian Constitution.
Post-Independence, he was also the Minister of Law and Justice in PM Jawaharlal Nehru's first Cabinet. Ambedkar played a key role in social movements that fought for the rights of Dalits and untouchables.
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar died on December 6, 1956, months after he embraced Buddhism on October 14 that year, the date coinciding with the unveiling of the statue in Maryland.
October 14 is celebrated as Dhamma Chakra Parivartan Day by Ambedkarites.
The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.