Agartala, 14th April 2026: The 136th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, was observed with solemnity and reverence at Ujjayanta Palace today. The programme was organized by the Department of Scheduled Caste Welfare, drawing participation from ministers, public representatives, officials, and citizens from various walks of life.
The celebration commenced with floral tributes paid to the statue of Babasaheb. Among those who offered their respects were Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, MLA Minarani Sarkar, Acting Sabhadhipati of Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Biswajit Shil, along with corporators of Agartala Municipal Corporation and Director of the department Jayanta Dey. Artists, students, litterateurs, and eminent citizens were also present.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Minister Das described Dr. Ambedkar as a philosopher, politician, and social reformer who served as independent India’s first Law Minister. He highlighted that Dr. Ambedkar gifted the nation the world’s largest Constitution and envisioned a “New India” free from poverty, untouchability, illiteracy, and social injustice. Emphasizing his lifelong struggle for the upliftment of marginalized communities, the minister urged the younger generation to follow his ideals and teachings.
He further stated that the State Government has placed significant emphasis on education, noting that no society or nation can progress without it. The Department of Scheduled Caste Welfare, he added, has introduced several merit-based awards to encourage students from Scheduled Caste communities.
Speaking at the programme, Minister Barman said that Dr. Ambedkar was not only the architect of the Constitution but also a visionary who laid the foundation of a just and inclusive society. He underscored Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions in ensuring fundamental rights, duties, and reservation provisions within the Constitution, as well as his pioneering role in women’s education and empowerment. Quoting his famous call—“Educate, Organize, Agitate”—the minister stressed that education remains the most powerful tool for social transformation.
He also noted that the ideals of inclusive development reflected in national initiatives and policies continue to draw inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar’s vision. Referring to development efforts led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Manik Saha, he said various schemes are being implemented in line with Ambedkar’s principles. He further mentioned that places associated with Dr. Ambedkar are being developed as ‘Panchteerth’ pilgrimage sites.
In his presidential address, Biswajit Shil called upon the present generation to study and imbibe the life and philosophy of Dr. Ambedkar.
Earlier in the day, a procession was taken out from the Rabindra Centenary Building, passing through key city routes before culminating at Ujjayanta Palace. The programme also featured patriotic performances by artists from the Sachin Dev Burman Memorial College of Music, adding cultural vibrancy to the occasion.
