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The tallest statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of India's Constitution, outside of India has been officially inaugurated in a Maryland suburb of the U.S. capital. The unveiling ceremony of the 19-feet tall "Statue of Equality" was attended by over 500 Indian-Americans from various parts of the United States, as well as some individuals from India and other countries, who braved heavy rain and drizzle to be part of this historic event.
The statue was created by renowned artist and sculptor Ram Sutar, who is also known for his work on the Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Patel, installed on an island in the Narmada River in Gujarat.
The statue is being referred to as the "Statue of Equality" because it represents the fight against inequality, a problem not limited to India but present in different forms worldwide, as stated by Ram Kumar, president of the Ambedkar International Center (AIC).
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, was the chairman of the Constituent Assembly's Drafting Committee, earning him the title of the Architect of the Indian Constitution. The AIC in Accokeek township, situated 22 miles south of the White House, spans 13 acres and includes a library, convention center, and Buddha Garden, among other features.
The unveiling of the statue was seen as a momentous occasion, with Ravi Kumar Narra, national president of the Dalit Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), noting the growing recognition of Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to empowering women and marginalized sections of society. Narra highlighted that Dr. Ambedkar's economic policies are gaining traction, with countries worldwide considering implementing his ideology.
The "Statue of Equality" symbolizes not only the 1.4 billion Indians but also the 4.5 million Indian Americans. Deelip Mhaske, who leads the Ambedkarite movement in the U.S., mentioned that this statue is the result of community contributions and has received congratulatory messages from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, recognizing its significance.
This statue is seen as an inspirational symbol for the Indian-American diaspora and a step toward unifying the community while working towards social justice. Mahindra Rajwade, who traveled for more than 10 hours to attend the event, emphasized the significance of having such a tall statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar outside India.
Following the unveiling ceremony, Indian-Americans from various parts of the country performed cultural acts. Elisha B. Pulivarti, president and CEO of the U.S. India SME Council, presented the U.S. President's Lifetime Achievement Award to DICCI president Narra in acknowledgment of his community service.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, post-Independence, served as the Minister of Law and Justice in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's first Cabinet and played a pivotal role in social movements advocating for the rights of Dalits and untouchables.
