Huge crowd gathers to pay tribute despite scorching heat

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Braving the intense heat, devotees seemed to be making an emotional appeal, as if saying, “Bhimraya, accept the salutations of your children,” while paying homage to their beloved leader. At Bhadkal Gate, a large number of office-bearers and activists from various political parties and organisations gathered throughout Tuesday to pay tribute to the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Every year on April 14, the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar holds special significance as it is considered a karmabhoomi of Dr Ambedkar. On the eve of the anniversary, followers celebrated with fireworks across the city. From early Tuesday morning, people of all ages began arriving at the proposed memorial site at Bhadkal Gate to offer their respects.

At the tribute programme organised by the all-party Jayanti celebration committee, mayor Sameer Rajurkar, minister Atul Save, MP Sandipan Bhumare, former MP Dr Bhagwat Karad, Uddhav Sena leader Ambadas Danve, BJP city president Kishor Shitole, MNS leader Dilip Chitlange, Satnamsingh Gulati, RPI state working president and chief advisor of the committee Baburao Kadam, working president Kishor Thorat, and others delivered speeches conveying their greetings. Several dignitaries were present on the stage. President Navinsingh Oberoi delivered the vote of thanks.

Free distribution of books

At Bhadkal Gate, around 10,000 books were distributed free of cost on the occasion of Dr Ambedkar Jayanti by Bodhi Tree Education Foundation and Mai Vruddhashram.

Many authors and dignitaries from across the state contributed books to support this initiative. The organisers expressed pride in carrying out this activity on the birth anniversary of the “Sun of Knowledge.”