Consul General Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok addressing the gathering on the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations at the India Community Center in Milpitas, Calif., April 14. (Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer)

The Consulate General of India, San Francisco, and the Indian American community celebrated the 125th Birthday of ‘Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, April 14, at India Community Center, in Milpitas, Calif. (@Siliconeer, #Siliconeer, @narendramodi, #DrBRAmbedkar, #CGISF, #IndianAmerican)

About 500-600 Indian Americans were present to mark Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. In addition, many academics, social activists, and local officials also attended.

Consul General Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok inaugurated the event by a traditional lightning of the lamp. He also paid floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. A souvenir booklet was also released on the occasion. A special edition of ‘Ambedkar Times’ was also released on the occasion by Consul General Venkatesan Ashok.

Consul General Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok addressing the gathering on the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations at the India Community Center in Milpitas, Calif., April 14. (Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer)
Consul General Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok addressing the gathering on the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations at the India Community Center in Milpitas, Calif., April 14. (Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer)

In his inaugural address, Consul General underlined Dr. Ambedkar’ s contributions towards bringing social change in India through constitutional means. He highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s efforts in bringing about social justice by doing away with various divisions in society. He praised Dr. Ambedkar’s work towards making India modern, and described his contribution towards nation-building, as precious and special.

The Consul General mentioned Dr. Ambedkar’s invaluable role in making the Constitution of India and his emphasis on the need for the use of constitutional means in the process of addressing challenges before the nation.

In his address, Prof. Ronki Ram, head of the department of Political Science at Punjab University, highlighted various aspects of Dr. Ambedkar’s multifaceted personality on the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations at the India Community Center in Milpitas, Calif., April 14. (Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer)
In his address, Prof. Ronki Ram, head of the department of Political Science at Punjab University, highlighted various aspects of Dr. Ambedkar’s multifaceted personality on the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations at the India Community Center in Milpitas, Calif., April 14. (Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer)

In his address, Prof. Ronki Ram, head of the department of Political Science at Punjab University in Chandigarh, India, highlighted various aspects of Dr. Ambedkar’s multifaceted personality, his social movement and his contribution towards building India as a nation.

The event was also addressed by O.P. Balley, member of supreme committee of Shri Guru Ravidass Temples; Harmesh Kumar, a community leader from Concord, Calif., and Ram Kumar of Ambedkar International Center.

A packed auditorium of Indian Americans, gathered to celebrate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th Birth Anniversary at the India Community Center in Milpitas, Calif., April 14. (Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer)
A packed auditorium of Indian Americans, gathered to celebrate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th Birth Anniversary at the India Community Center in Milpitas, Calif., April 14. (Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer)

Several Cultural programs including classical dance and songs were performed by participants from different cultural schools in the Bay Area and by well known singers. A short film on the life of Dr. Ambedkar was also screened during the event. Later, Consul General presented certificates of appreciation to all participants and organizers of the event.

The program ended with a vote of thanks, which was followed by a dinner reception.