A Tribute to the Architect of India: PCDA (Army) Pune Celebrates Dr. Ambedkar

Camp, 6th December 2023: PCDA (Army) Pune observed the solemn “Mahaparinirvana Diwas” of Bharat Ratna, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, in a ceremony filled with tribute, reflection, and acknowledgment of the profound legacy left by the great leader on 6th December 2023.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Rajeev Chavan, IDAS, ndc, PCDA(Army) Pune, delivered a comprehensive speech that encapsulated the multifaceted contributions of Dr. Ambedkar.

The ceremony commenced with dignitaries, including Vikram Rajapure, IDAS, DCDA, S.R. Boid, IDAS, DCDA, and others paying floral tributes to the statue of Babasaheb, set against the lush green lawns of the PCDA (Army) Pune premises.

Dr. Chavan, in his address, not only honored the key milestones of Indian statesman and scholar Dr. Ambedkar’s life but also delved into the philosophical depths of his teachings. He opened with Dr. Ambedkar’s own words, “Life should be great rather than long,” emphasizing the visionary’s commitment to a purposeful life over its duration.

Acknowledging Dr. Ambedkar’s call for unity, Dr. Chavan proclaimed, “We are Indians first and Indians last,” echoing the sentiment that transcends individual identities for a harmonious nation.

The Chief Guest further elaborated on Dr. Ambedkar’s profound metric for societal progress – the prosperity of women. He highlighted the visionary’s dedication to the emancipation of women, laborers, and children, firmly stating that the progress of society is judged by the upliftment and empowerment of its women.

Reflecting on Dr. Ambedkar’s advocacy for awareness and empowerment, Dr. Chavan emphasized, ”Let the slave know that he is a slave and he’ll break the chains of slavery,” and that this acknowledgment underscores Dr. Ambedkar’s unwavering commitment to awakening societal consciousness for transformative change.

Dr. Chavan hailed Dr. Ambedkar as “mahamanav”, recognizing him not only as the architect of the Constitution but also as a Champion of the downtrodden and depressed classes. The Chief Guest praised Dr. Ambedkar’s diverse intellectual prowess – holding 34 degrees, mastering 64 subjects, and fluent in 8 languages.

The mentioned some of the remarkable achievements of Dr. Ambedkar in various fields like economics, religion, law, social reform, and literature. He was a scholar, a statesman, and a champion of the oppressed classes. He was the founder of the Dalit Buddhist Movement and was also instrumental in establishing the Finance Commission of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He was a man of great intellect, courage, and vision.

Acknowledging Dr. Ambedkar’s literary legacy, Dr. Chavan highlighted the visionary’s publication of over 50 books, with his last work completed ‘The Buddha and His Dhamma,’ a 1957 treatise on Buddha’s life and philosophy. It was completed just three days before his passing on 6th December 1956 and was published posthumously. The text is treated as scripture for those who follow Navayana Buddhism This testament to intellectual dedication underscored Dr. Ambedkar’s commitment to sharing knowledge and shaping public discourse.

Dr. Chavan also reminded about Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial, also known as Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi or Mahaparinirvan Sthal, a memorial in India’s national capital New Delhi was inaugurated on 13 April 2018.

In conclusion, Dr. Chavan reaffirmed Dr. Ambedkar’s role as the builder of modern India, a visionary whose impact extends far beyond his time. The ceremony concluded with a poignant reflection on Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s life, symbolizing the enduring commitment to uphold the ideals of this remarkable leader.