New York [US]: New York City has officially declared April 14 as “Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Day”, marking the 134th birth anniversary of the principal architect of India’s Constitution and a globally respected champion of human rights and social justice.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams signed the proclamation, stating:
“Dr Ambedkar advocated against exploitation and spent his life fighting for diversity, equity, and inclusion, which have long defined the five boroughs.”
The proclamation honours Dr Ambedkar’s global legacy in promoting democracy, dignity, and justice for historically marginalised communities.
At a celebration event in New York, India’s Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale remarked:
“His journey from Columbia to creating the future of India shows how New York has nurtured the world’s greatest minds.”
He added that Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary will be celebrated at the United Nations Office in New York, underscoring his international impact.
Dilip Chauhan, NYC’s Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation, also spoke at the event, stating:
“Dr Ambedkar showed us that inclusion is not a favor but a fundamental right. He taught us to confront injustice not with silence but with solidarity. His legacy compels us to build bridges across cultures, amplify the voices of the oppressed, and challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality, wherever they may be.”
The successful campaign for the New York proclamation was spearheaded by Deelip Mhaske, president of the Foundation for Human Horizon, who first initiated Ambedkar’s birth anniversary celebrations at the UN in 2016 with support from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“This proclamation is more than symbolic—it is a moral declaration that positions New York as a global capital for human rights and justice,” Mhaske said.
He added:
“The recognition comes as Dr Ambedkar’s message continues to resonate with contemporary struggles against inequality worldwide.”
Calling it a proud moment for the global Ambedkarite community, Mhaske said:
“This initiative means a lot for the community and the followers of Dr Ambedkar. This recognition of his work will be extraordinary for the members of the community and those who believe in him. We are really thankful to Mayor Adam for making Ambedkar a global icon.”
Born in 1891, Dr Ambedkar studied at Columbia University in New York, where his beliefs in justice and democracy were shaped. These ideas helped empower over 300 million people in India suffering under institutional discrimination. His crowning achievement came as the chief architect of India’s Constitution, one of the world’s most inclusive founding texts.
“Ours is a battle not for wealth or power. It is a battle for freedom,” Dr Ambedkar once famously said.
His iconic call to “educate, agitate, organise!” continues to echo in civil rights and social justice movements around the globe.
Today, April 14 is commemorated in over 100 countries by parliaments, UN missions, and universities.
Former UNDP Administrator and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark once noted at the UN:
“Dr Ambedkar’s vision continues to inspire our work, especially in advancing inclusion, equality, and dignity for all.”
Notably, New York became the first U.S. city last year to co-name a street in Ambedkar’s honour: “Dr BR Ambedkar Way”, located at East 63rd Street in Manhattan.