The tallest statue of BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of India’s Constitution, anywhere outside India is set to be unveiled in Maryland, United States, on October 14, the organisers have said.
The 19-foot statue, named “Statue of Equality”, is part of the Ambedkar International Center (AIC) complex being built on 13-acre land in Accokeek city of Maryland, approximately 35km south of Washington.
“This is the largest statue of Babasaheb (as Ambedkar is also called) outside India and has been installed as a part of the Ambedkar Memorial being constructed at this centre,” said the AIC.
Born on April 14, 1891, Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popular among his followers as “Babasaheb”, was the chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s most crucial Drafting Committee, a position that earned him the moniker “Architect of the Indian Constitution”.
After the Independence of India, he was also the Minister of Law and Justice in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s first Cabinet. Ambedkar played a key role in social movements that fought for the rights of Dalits and untouchables.
Ambedkar died on December 6, 1956, months after he embraced Buddhism on October 14 that year, which is why the statue is being unveiled in Maryland on that date this year. The date of October 14 is celebrated as “Dhamma Chakra Parivartan Din” by Ambedkarites.
The Maryland statue has been made by renowned artist and sculptor Ram Sutar, who had also built the statue of Sardar Patel, named “Statue of Unity” and installed on an island in Narmada, metres downstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat.
“A large number of representatives of the Ambedkarite movement and his followers are expected to attend the event from across the USA and other parts of the world,” said the AIC. It added that this memorial would serve to spread Babasaheb’s messages and teachings and showcase a symbol of equality and human rights.
Representatives from various countries are expected to attend the statue’s unveiling ceremony on October 14.