Burnaby: Heartfelt gratitude and tributes were paid on December 6 to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 65th death anniversary. The day is now popularly known as the Dr. Ambedkar Maharprinirvan Day. Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956 and left positive impact on the lives of millions of Indians in India and across the Diaspora.
Activities included visiting Burnaby City Hall, Simon Fraser University, and Dr. Ambedkar Library at Guru Ravidass Community Center in Burnaby.
Visits were led by Consul General Mr. Manish (Consulate General of India, Vancouver) and were facilitated by Chetna Association of Canada with support of Guru Ravidass Sabha and AICS.
While Dr. Ambedkar portraits are installed at The Burnaby City Hall, Surrey Center Library, Guru Ravidass Community Center, and the Indian Consulate office in Vancouver, the Bronze Bust of the great personality is proudly displayed at Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby Campus. Garlands and florets were offered to the paintings and the Bust of Dr. Ambedkar.
Special thanks to Burnaby Councillor Sukh Dhaliwal and Dr. Gwen Bird, Dean of Libraries at Simon Fraser University, for their immense support to these activities were kindly expressed by the organizers.
On November 26, Constitution Day of India was also celebrated in Surrey, BC, where scholars shed light on the effectiveness of the Constitution of India in providing framework for equality, liberty, and fraternity. Community activists and scholars were also recognized and awarded for their contributions to enhancing inclusion.
In addition to advancing economic, political, and social rights and conditions of women, minorities, and the marginalized communities, Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions towards reviving Buddhism in India and the Indian sub-continent are well noted and celebrated.
By Chetna Association of Canada
Image Source: Dr. Ambedkar Mahaparinirvan Day – Google Search
