To encourage innovative practices and recognise professionals delivering excellence in National Highway development, the sixth edition of ‘National Highways Excellence Awards 2023’ (NHEA 2023) will be held on 15th April 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari along with Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ministry of Road Transport & Highways; Shri Harsh Malhotra, Hon’ble Minister of State for MoRTH & Corporate Affairs; Shri V Umashankar, Secretary at MoRTH; senior officials from MoRTH, NHAI and other stakeholders will grace the occasion.
NHEA 2023 will serve as a platform to commemorate remarkable achievements within the National Highway infrastructure sector and recognize professionals as well as stakeholders for their contribution in construction & maintenance of the best-performing National Highway assets across the country.
The daylong event will also feature various ‘Panel Discussions’ with domain experts and will delve into topics such as emerging technologies in Highway construction, highway development in hilly terrains, and the global competitiveness of Indian construction companies.
‘National Highway Excellence Awards’ were institutionalized in 2018 by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, with an aim to incentivize and encourage key stakeholders and to create a spirit of healthy competition amongst all the stakeholders involved in the development of National Highway infrastructure in the country.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said this evening that the Immigration Department will deal with each case in accordance with the relevant law and immigration policy.
Responding to media enquiries about a UK Parliament member having been denied entry earlier, the Hong Kong SAR Government said its standing policy is not to comment on individual cases.
It is the duty of immigration officer to ask questions to ascertain that there is no doubt about the purpose of any visit. As the person knows best what he has done, it will be unhelpful to the case if one refuses to answer questions, the Hong Kong SAR Government added.
In addition, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki met UK Minister for Trade Policy & Economic Security Douglas Alexander, who is visiting Hong Kong, to exchange views on the matter. Mr Chan also reiterated the Hong Kong SAR Government’s stance during their meeting.
Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin attended the 20th anniversary celebration ceremony of Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) in Zhuhai this afternoon.
Co-founded by Beijing Normal University and Hong Kong Baptist University, BNBU is the first university jointly established by the higher education sectors of the Mainland and Hong Kong.
At the ceremony, Ms Choi expressed her heartfelt congratulations to BNBU, saying that it adopts the undergraduate curriculum and teaching evaluation system of Hong Kong higher education institutions, setting a good example for the joint provision of education services between the Mainland and Hong Kong.
She noted that several Hong Kong higher education institutions have taken a proactive approach in providing education services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Mainland cities, and strengthening co-operation by realising complementary advantages with their Mainland counterparts through the establishment of university alliances.
Ms Choi also said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to actively participate in and foster higher education co-operation in the GBA by assisting Hong Kong higher education institutions in exploring more flexible and innovative operation models.
It will also promote closer collaboration between Hong Kong higher education institutions and their campuses in the GBA Mainland cities, and facilitate the flow of faculty members and students, with a view to nurturing outstanding talent for the country’s development through synergising the complementary academic structures and facilities of Hong Kong and Mainland campuses.
The education chief also toured BNBU’s various facilities to understand the development situation of the campus.
She then met Zhuhai Mayor Wu Zetong, Zhuhai Municipal Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Bureau Director Huang Cui, Zhuhai Municipal Education Bureau Director Xi Enmin and other officials to exchange views on education issues before returning to Hong Kong.
The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit opened today, where Chief Executive John Lee met its guest speakers and delivered remarks.
Under the theme “Integration of AI & Digital Technologies Shaping the Future – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the two-day summit is expected to attract nearly 1,000 local and overseas participants from governments, political and business sectors, international organisations, the management of leading corporations, authoritative experts and scholars.
Participants will engage in in-depth exchanges on various technological areas, promoting the high-quality development of innovation and technology.
At the summit’s opening ceremony this morning, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Vice-Chairman Wang Yong and Mr Lee delivered their remarks, while Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) Director and World Internet Conference (WIC) Chairman Zhuang Rongwen gave a keynote speech.
Meeting Mr Wang this morning, the Chief Executive noted that the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress was successfully convened in Beijing last month. A Government work report proposed to develop new quality productive forces in light of local conditions and pursue integrated advancements in technological and industrial innovation.
He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively developing new quality productive forces and new industrialisation initiatives, with the innovation and technology industry expected to achieve high-quality development. It is also accelerating the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, striving to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre.
Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages in connecting the Mainland with the world, further deepening international exchanges and co-operation, and exploring new opportunities in innovation and technology.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee met Mr Zhuang, expressing his gratitude to the CAC for its continued support to the Hong Kong SAR Government and its collaboration with the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau in promoting cross-border data flows within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Highlighting that data is a key driving force of innovation and high-quality development, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the CAC to facilitate Hong Kong’s active integration into the national data development and the digital economy development in the GBA.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong also spoke at the summit.
It is the first time the WIC has held a summit in Hong Kong, affirming the city’s status as an international metropolis and demonstrating its support for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development.
Secretary for Transport & Logistics and chair of the Logistics Development Council Mable Chan, listened to the logistics industry’s views on the US’ reckless tariff imposition at a council meeting held today.
She also discussed with the trade ways to tackle the situation together, including a further increase in the so-called reciprocal tariffs.
Ms Chan noted that although the industry is worried about the ongoing uncertainty of the trade environment, it remains firm against the adversary and is actively exploring ways to cope with the situation.
She emphasised that the Transport & Logistics Bureau will be in solidarity with the trade and counter the challenge to Hong Kong and the industry together with determination and confidence, adding that the bureau will play a leading role in providing more specific guidance on industry development and assisting the industry in coping with market restructuring.
To this end, the bureau will adopt five major strategies: exploring emerging markets; strengthening collaboration with ports located in the Greater Bay Area with a view to developing new cargo sources together; exempting the import and export licence requirements for certain products to attract more transshipment cargo; deepening international port and shipping co-operation; and expanding the maritime and aviation networks.
The ultimate aim is to identify new growth points for Hong Kong’s logistics industry, thereby consolidating and enhancing the city’s status and competitiveness as an international maritime centre, international aviation hub and international logistics hub.
Meanwhile, the bureau will also work with Customs and other relevant government departments to implement more initiatives to facilitate the industry’s development, thereby further enhancing the city’s role as a transshipment hub.
Such trade facilitation measures include the expansion of the Single E-lock Scheme, the Free Trade Agreement Transshipment Facilitation Scheme and the Air-Land Fresh Lane.
Hong Kong teams participating in the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva won about 300 prizes, including two Grand Awards, seven Special Awards, about 55 Gold Medals with Congratulations of Jury and about 80 Gold Medals.
In particular, the Prize of the Republic & Canton of Geneva, one of the Grand Awards, went to the “Two-Phase Immersion Cooling System for High Performance Computer Workstation” jointly developed by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). This prize represents a governmental level of honour and recognition, marking the first time for departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to receive this prestigious award.
The CAD-EMSD innovation provides a highly efficient heat dissipation capability for the CAD’s high-performance air traffic control tower simulator by immersing heat-generating computer components into a sealed container filled with a non-conductive cooling liquid. Heat dissipation is achieved through the vaporisation of the cooling liquid, providing a more efficient energy saving system with an extended equipment life time compared with traditional air cooling.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Police Force’s “Scameter Series” won another Gold Award named the International Press Prize.
The Tracking Solution for Outdoor Activity Safety, also jointly developed by CAD and EMSD, won the Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury prize at the exhibition.
Furthermore, local public research and development (R&D) institutes, including the Productivity Council, the Nano & Advanced Materials Institute as well as the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, also achieved outstanding results at the Edison Awards 2025, winning a total of four Gold Awards and three Silver Awards.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong congratulated the Hong Kong teams on their remarkable achievements.
He said: “I am proud of the number of international awards received by Hong Kong teams. This is not only a significant recognition of Hong Kong’s achievements in scientific research, but also highlights Hong Kong’s strong innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities as well as our rich pool of talent.
“The achievements of the Hong Kong teams on the global stage further solidify our position in the I&T landscape in the world. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to invest resources and strive to build Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stone of development projects in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana Viksit Haryana for Viksit Bharat, this is our resolve: PM
Our effort is to increase the production of electricity in the country, lack of electricity should not become an obstacle in nation building: PM
PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Yojana started by us can reduce electricity bill to zero by installation of solar panels : PM
Our effort is to increase the potential of the farmers of Haryana: PM
Posted On: 14 APR 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana today. Extending his greetings to the people of Haryana, he paid homage to the sacred land of Haryana, acknowledging it as the origin of Maa Saraswati, the abode of Mantra Devi, the site of Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji, and the blessed Kapalmochan Sahib. “Haryana is a confluence of culture, devotion, and dedication”, he described. He also conveyed his heartfelt wishes to all citizens on the 135th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, highlighting Babasaheb’s vision and inspiration, which continue to guide India’s journey toward development.
“Yamunanagar is not just a city but a vital part of India’s industrial landscape, contributing significantly to the economy with its industries ranging from plywood to brass and steel”, said Shri Modi, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the region, mentioning the Kapal Mochan Mela, the sacred land of Rishi Ved Vyas, and the site of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s weaponry. He shared his personal connection with Yamunanagar, recalling his frequent visits from Panchkula during his tenure as Haryana’s in-charge. He expressed gratitude for the dedicated workers he collaborated with and acknowledged the enduring tradition of hard work and commitment in the region.
Underlining that Haryana is witnessing the double speed of development under the Union and State governments for the third consecutive term, the Prime Minister emphasized the commitment to a developed Haryana as part of the vision for a developed India. He highlighted the government’s dedication to serving the people of Haryana and fulfilling the aspirations of its youth by working at greater speed and scale. He pointed to the development projects launched today as a testament to this commitment and extended his congratulations to the people of Haryana for these new development initiatives.
Expressing pride in his government’s commitment to advancing the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Shri Modi highlighted Babasaheb’s belief that industrial development was a pathway to social justice. He noted that Babasaheb identified the issue of small landholdings in India and emphasized that Dalits, lacking sufficient agricultural land, would benefit the most from industrialization. He shared Babasaheb’s vision that industries would provide greater employment opportunities for Dalits, improving their standard of living. He also acknowledged Babasaheb’s significant role in India’s industrialization efforts, working alongside the country’s first Industry Minister, Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, to drive progress in this direction.
Remarking that the synergy between industrialization and manufacturing was also recognized by Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Ji as the foundation for rural prosperity, the Prime Minister highlighted Chhotu Ram Ji’s belief that true prosperity in villages would come when farmers enhance their income through small industries alongside agriculture. He further noted that Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji, who dedicated his life to the welfare of villages and farmers, shared a similar vision, emphasizing Charan Singh Ji’s perspective that industrial development should complement agriculture, as both are pillars of the economy.
Emphasising that the essence of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ lies in fostering manufacturing, Shri Modi underscored the government’s focus on manufacturing, as reflected in this year’s budget announcement of ‘Mission Manufacturing’. “The mission aims to create maximum employment opportunities for Dalit, backward, underprivileged, and marginalized youth, provide them with essential training, reduce business costs, strengthen the MSME sector, equip industries with modern technology, and ensure Indian products are world-class”, he stated. Underscoring the importance of uninterrupted power supply to achieve these goals and highlighting the significance of today’s event, he announced the commencement of work on the third unit of the Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant, which will benefit Yamunanagar and Haryana. The Prime Minister noted that Yamunanagar produces half of India’s plywood and is a hub for manufacturing aluminum, copper, and brass utensils. He added that petrochemical plant equipment from Yamunanagar is exported to several countries. He emphasized that increased power production will benefit these industries and support ‘Mission Manufacturing’.
Underlining the critical role of electricity in building a developed India, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s multifaceted efforts to enhance power availability, including initiatives like One Nation-One Grid, new coal power plants, solar energy projects, and the expansion of the nuclear sector. “Increasing electricity production is essential to ensure that power shortages do not hinder nation-building”, he stressed recalling the frequent blackouts before 2014 under previous dispensation’s rule, stating that such crises would have persisted if Congress had remained in power. He noted that during those times, factories, railways, and irrigation systems were severely affected. He shared that over the past decade, India has nearly doubled its electricity production capacity and now exports power to neighboring countries. He highlighted the benefits of their government’s focus on electricity production for Haryana, which currently generates 16,000 MW of power. He also announced the goal of increasing this capacity to 24,000 MW in the coming years.
Highlighting the government’s dual approach of investing in thermal power plants while empowering citizens to become power generators themselves, Shri Modi mentioned the launch of the PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Yojana, enabling individuals to install solar panels on their rooftops, eliminate electricity bills, and even earn by selling surplus power. He noted that over 1.25 crore people across the country have registered under this scheme, with lakhs from Haryana applying to join. He expressed satisfaction with the scheme’s expansion, which is fostering a growing service ecosystem. He emphasized that the solar sector is creating new skills, generating opportunities for MSMEs, and opening numerous avenues for youth employment.
Prime Minister underscored the government’s focus on ensuring adequate electricity and financial resources for small industries in smaller towns. He mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided financial assistance worth lakhs of crores to support MSMEs. He further said that the definition of MSMEs has been revised to allow small industries to expand without fear of losing government support as they grow, while mentioning the introduction of special credit cards for small industries and an increase in credit guarantee coverage. He noted the recent 10-year milestone of the Mudra Yojana, under which ₹33 lakh crore in collateral-free loans have been disbursed. He emphasized that over 50% of the beneficiaries of this scheme are from SC, ST, and OBC families. He expressed the government’s commitment to enabling small industries to fulfill the big dreams of India’s youth.
Lauding the hard work of Haryana’s farmers, which contributes to every Indian’s plate, the Prime Minister emphasized that the governments at Center and state stands as a steadfast partner in the joys and challenges of farmers. He highlighted efforts to empower Haryana’s farmers, noting that the state government now procures 24 crops at MSP. He shared that lakhs of farmers in Haryana have benefited from the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, with claims exceeding ₹9,000 crore under the scheme. Additionally, he mentioned that ₹6,500 crore has been disbursed to Haryana’s farmers through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, further supporting their livelihoods and growth.
Underlining the Haryana government’s decision to abolish the colonial-era water tax, relieving farmers from paying taxes on canal water, Shri Modi noted that over ₹130 crore in outstanding dues under this tax have also been waived. He emphasized the efforts of the Union and state government in providing new income opportunities for farmers and livestock owners. He mentioned the Gobardhan Yojana, which enables farmers to manage waste and generate income by producing biogas from cow dung, agricultural residues, and other organic waste. He shared that this year’s budget includes the announcement of 500 Gobardhan plants across the country. He highlighted the foundation stone laying of a new Gobardhan plant in Yamunanagar, which will save ₹3 crore annually for the municipal corporation. “Gobardhan Yojana is also contributing to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, furthering the mission of cleanliness and sustainability”, he further said.
Prime Minister underlined Haryana’s rapid progress on the path of development, mentioning his earlier visit to Hisar, where direct flight services to Ayodhya Dham were inaugurated. He also announced the new bypass for Rewari, which will ease traffic congestion in markets, intersections, and railway crossings, allowing vehicles to bypass the city smoothly. He noted that the four-lane bypass will reduce travel time between Delhi and Narnaul by an hour and congratulated the people on this achievement.
Emphasising that for them, politics is a medium of service—service to the people and the nation, Shri Modi stated, “our party delivers on its promises, as evident in Haryana”, where the government is fulfilling commitments made after being elected for the third term. He contrasted this with opposition-ruled states, citing betrayal of public trust. He pointed to the struggles faced by people in Himachal Pradesh, where development and welfare projects have stalled. In Karnataka, he highlighted rising costs of essentials like electricity, milk, bus fares, and seeds under current dispensation’s rule. He mentioned public dissatisfaction with the incumbent government in Karnataka, as seen on social media, and noted allegations of corruption, with even close associates of the Chief Minister acknowledging Karnataka’s ranking as number one in corruption.
Shri Modi criticized the current government in Telangana for neglecting its promises to the people and focusing on bulldozing forests, causing harm to nature and wildlife. He contrasted two models of governance and described his party’s model as genuine and dedicated to building a developed India, while the opposition’s as deceitful and focused solely on power. He highlighted the ongoing efforts in Yamunanagar as an example of his party’s commitment to progress.
Reflecting on the significance of Baisakhi and the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Prime Minister honored the memory of the patriots who sacrificed their lives and highlighted the cruelty of the British regime. He emphasized another aspect of the massacre—the unwavering spirit of standing for humanity and the nation, exemplified by Shri Shankaran Nair. He further shared that Shankaran Nair, a renowned lawyer and high-ranking official in the British government, chose to resign and raise his voice against the atrocities of foreign rule. He fought the Jallianwala Bagh case single-handedly, shaking the foundations of the British Empire and holding it accountable in court. He described Shankaran Nair’s actions as a remarkable example of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” showcasing how a man from Kerala stood against British power for a massacre in Punjab. He remarked that this spirit of unity and resistance was the true inspiration behind India’s freedom struggle and remains a driving force in the journey toward a developed India.
The Prime Minister concluded by urging everyone to learn about Shankaran Nair’s contributions and emphasized the Union and state governments continuous efforts to empower the pillars of society—poor, farmers, youth, and women. He expressed confidence that collective efforts will lead Haryana toward development.
The Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Union Ministers, Shri Manohar Lal, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
Boosting power infrastructure in the region along with the vision of electricity reaching the last mile, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant at YamunaNagar. This unit, spread across 233 acres, worth around Rs 8,470 crore, will significantly boost Haryana’s energy self-sufficiency and provide uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Taking forward the vision of GOBARDhan, i.e. Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan, Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, in YamunaNagar. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 2,600 metric tonnes and will help in effective organic waste management, while contributing to clean energy production and environmental conservation.
Prime Minister also inaugurated the 14.4 km Rewari Bypass project, worth around Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It will decongest Rewari city, reduce Delhi–Narnaul travel time by around one hour, and boost economic and social activity in the region.
हरियाणा लगातार तीसरी बार, डबल इंजन सरकार के विकास की डबल रफ्तार देख रहा है। आज यमुनानगर में विभिन्न विकास परियोजनाओं का लोकार्पण और शिलान्यास कर बेहद प्रसन्न हूं। https://t.co/hpFWZRiVa4
PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER AND LOK SABHA SPEAKER PAY FLORAL TRIBUTE TO BABASAHEB DR. BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR AT HIS STATUE AT PRERNA STHAL IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE COMPLEX ON HIS BIRTH ANNIVERSARY UNION MINISTERS, MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, FORMER MEMBERS AND OTHER DIGNITARIES ALSO PAY TRIBUTES TO BABASAHEB DR. BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR
Posted On: 14 APR 2025 3:17PM by PIB Delhi
President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu; Vice-President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar; Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla paid floral tributes at the statue of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar at Prerna Sthal in Parliament House Complex on the occasion of his birth anniversary, today.
‘भारत रत्न’ बाबासाहेब डॉ. भीमराव अम्बेडकर जी के 135वें जयंती दिवस पर संसद परिसर स्थित प्रेरणा स्थल पर उन्हें भावपूर्ण नमन कर श्रद्धासुमन अर्पित किए। बाबासाहेब का जीवन सदैव राह दिखाता रहेगा।#AmbedkarJayanti#BabaSahebAmbedkarpic.twitter.com/TppA5mvXsg
Several Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge; Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; Chief Minister, Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Members of Parliament, former Members of Parliament and other dignitaries also paid tributes on this occasion.
Later, Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla; Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, Chief Minister, Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Members of Parliament and former Members of Parliament paid floral tributes at the portrait of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Secretaries-General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Shri Utpal Kumar Singh and Shri P.C. Mody, respectively, also paid floral tributes to Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.
Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar had a profound impact on India’s social and political landscape, leaving an enduring legacy. Renowned as a champion of social justice, he is revered for his substantial and diverse contributions to Indian society. Dr. Ambedkar’s significant achievement lies in his role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, where he played a pivotal role during the debates in the Constituent Assembly. He is respected as the driving force behind the Constitution of India, ensuring its principles of inclusivity and justice.
The portrait of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was unveiled in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (erstwhile Parliament House) by the then Prime Minister, Shri Vishwanath Pratap Singh on 12 April, 1990.
भारत के संविधान के शिल्पकार, देश के प्रथम विधि मंत्री बाबासाहेब डॉ. भीमराव अम्बेडकर जी की जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। बाबासाहेब आजीवन समानता, स्वतंत्रता, न्याय और बंधुता के लिए समर्पित रहे। कमज़ोर परिवेश से निकलकर उन्होंने अभूतपूर्व उपलब्धियां हासिल की, तथा समाज में वांछित परिवर्तन… pic.twitter.com/jg7I9bLCIy
Earlier, paying rich tributes to Dr. Ambedkar, Shri Birla in a post on social media platform X said, “Tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution, the country’s first Law Minister, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar ji on his birth anniversary. Babasaheb remained dedicated to equality, freedom, justice and fraternity throughout his life. Coming from a humble background, he used education as a medium to bring the desired changes in the society. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly, he drafted the world’s best legislative document ‘Constitution of India’. As we celebrate 75th years of the adoption of the Constitution, Babasaheb’s philosophy becomes even more relevant. His ideas inspire us to remain united against all forms of injustice, exploitation and oppression. Dr. Ambedkar’s life, dedicated to the upliftment of the underprivileged class and the empowerment of the Nation, will continue to inspire millions of countrymen for ages.”
The celebrations of the 135th Ambedkar Jayanti were organized on April 14, 2025, by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), on behalf of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, near the statue of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the Parliament House Campus.
The event began with floral tributes by the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment (SJ&E) and Chairman (DAF), Dr. Virendra Kumar, along with other dignitaries including Ministers, Parliamentarians and other invited guests in the morning.
Thereafter the event was opened for the public, where a huge number of people paid their tributes at the feet of the life-size statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar at the Prerna Sthal in Parliament House Lawns. During the event, Buddhist chants were performed by Buddhist monks, while artists from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting performed songs dedicated to Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti is annually celebrated by the DAF to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of the visionary social reformer, jurist, economist and politician, who was the chief architect of the Constitution of India. Dr. Ambedkar championed the cause of marginalized communities. His thoughts on social justice, equality, and democracy still continue to inspire generations.
The event was also graced by MoS (SJ&E), Shri B.L. Verma, Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Yadav, and other senior officers of the Ministry and DAF.
Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF)
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation was constituted to disseminate the message and ideologies of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In 1991, a Centenary Celebration Committee of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was constituted and was headed by the then Prime Minister of India. This committee decided to set up Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF). On March 24, 1992, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), an autonomous body was established under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to disperse programmes and activities for furthering the visions and thoughts of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar on a pan-Indian scale.
Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM)
The Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM) is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life, work, and contributions of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was a renowned social reformer, orator, prolific writer, historian, jurist, anthropologist, and politician. The DANM museum houses a collection of personal belongings, photographs, letters, and documents related to Dr. Ambedkar’s life, including his education, social reform movements, and political career. There are also audio-visual exhibits to showcase his speeches and interviews.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary today. He remarked that Babasaheb’s principles and ideals will give strength and momentum for creation of a self-reliant and developed India.