Ambedkar's birth anniversary celebrated in city

Mumbai, Apr 14 (UNI) Thousands of people from all walks of life participated in the 117th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, organised in different parts of the city today.

Ramabai Nagar, a dalit dominated area in Ghatkopar in the Eastern suburb of city, was the centre of celebrations, with elders as well as children of the community, distributing sweets and applying blue coloured ''Gulal'' to everyone.

Different areas in the city witnessed huge processions and rallies. Deepak Nikhalje, vice president of RPI state unit, led a procession from Chembur in Central Mumbai upto Ghatkopar. Similar processions were also taken out in Wadala and Antop Hill areas in Central Mumbai.

Sunil Lokhande, an active participant in the celebrations, said ''Today is a very important day for us, we have been celebrating the same since my childhood and sweets are made in our house as if it is the birthday of one of our family members.'' Tens of thousands of people paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar, by garlanding his statues located in various parts of the metropolis.

Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena, various factions of RPI, MNS and other political parties put up banners across the city, wishing people on the occasion. MNS had also organised a eye donation camp in its various wards. MNS chief Raj Thackeray alongwith his family members pledged their eyes after death.

In many dalit dominated areas like Ghatkopar, Wadala, Sion Koliwada, Worli, Naigaon and Andheri, the celebrations started last night itself.

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