In Pics: Narendra Modi unveils Foundation Plaque of Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi unveiled the foundation plaque of Dr Ambedkar National Memorial which will be constructed at 26, Alipur Road, Delhi where Dr Ambedkar breathed his last.

Delivering Dr Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on the occasion, Mr. Modi said Dr. Ambedkar's contribution to the nation is immense. Most of the programmes being taken by the government now had been visualised by him only.

Because of his ideology and vision for oppressed and downtrodden, he should be remembered as saviour of oppressed world over and not as the leader of Dalits only in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the occasion:

PM Modi also recalled the efforts and role played by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in remembering Dr. Ambedkar.

Mr. Modi reminded people of why Dr. Ambedkar had to resign from the ministry and why asked why that part of history is either forgotten or diluted. Mr. Modi said that Dr. Ambedkar had resigned saying that when issue of equal rights to women come up he was clear that he can't be a part of such ministry.

Mr. Modi had this to say on Dr. Ambedkar's vision for developing India's maritime strength, "There is a bill on waterways in Parliament but let me tell you this vision is of Dr. Ambedkar's. He believed in India's maritime strength."

PM on Dr. Ambedkar's revolutionary thoughts and on Gaekwad family that strongly influenced him:

"Dr. Ambedkar told society one thing- to get educated. It is like the inner power and he showed the way in that regard."

"Bihar governor went to Vadodara & he honoured Gaekwad family. This family had a strong influence on Dr. Ambedkar's life."

"Dr. Ambedkar called for labour reform and at the same time thought of industrialisation for the progress of India."

On the occasion PM also asked as to why decision on Indu Mills where Dr. Ambaedkar stayed in London was kept pending for so long. He concluded his speech by saying that wherever his government gets an opportunity to serve Dr. Ambedkar they have done so out of reverence for him.

Thawarchand Gehlot at the occasion:

Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thawarchand Gehlot said the Government has organised year-long celebrations to commemorate 125th anniversary of Dr Ambedkar and five places related with life and work Dr. Ambedkar are being developed as 'Panch Theerath'.

He also said that Dr. Ambedkar Mahaparinirvana Sthal at 26, Alipur Road was dedicated to the nation by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India on 2nd December 2003.

This Mahaprinirvana Sthal will have Exhibition Halls, Office, Library, Cafeteria, Dormitory and other purposes. It will also have Bheem Stumbh at the Entrance and Meditation Hall at the back.

He said that, since this building is to be constructed as memorial of Baba Saheb who was creator of the constitution of India, it is designed in the shape of the book. The cost of this project is Rs. 95 crore and would be completed by end of March 2018.

Krishan Pal Gurjar and Vijay Sampla, both Minister of State of Social Justice and Empowerment were also present on the occasion.