High Commission of India, Ottawa

Press Release

Celebrating Dr. Ambedkar's Legacy in Ottawa

1.  A day-long seminar to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary and legacy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, was hosted by The Canada-India Centre for Excellence(CICE) at Carleton University, on 26thApril2016, in partnership with the High Commission of India, Ottawa.

2.  The seminar attracted over 125 participants from all walks of life in Canada including leading scholars, senior business executives, eminent public officials, students, and citizens.

3.  The seminar was officially opened by Dr. Roseann O'Reilly Runte, President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University. She spoke of the active role being played by CICE in deepening economic, political, educational and cultural understanding between India and Canada, since its inception in 2011 (https://carleton.ca/india/).

4.  In his address High Commissioner Vishnu Prakash described Dr. Ambedkar as one of the greatest sons of India, who defying all odds and notwithstanding his humble origins, rose to be the architect of the Indian Constitution. His vision had shaped India's socio-political discourse, said Mr. Prakash, and spoke about the world's most ambitious affirmative action programme, aimed at empowering the under-privileged sections of the Indian society. He also dwelled on government's Jan Dhan initiative for financial inclusionof weaker segments of the populace, under which 210 million bank accounts had been opened.

5.  The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Anupama Rao from Columbia University who spoke on "Ambedkar in His Time and Ours". Other speakers included Dr. Arun Mukherjee from York University, Dr. Noel Salmond from Carleton University and Dr. ChinnaiahJangam from Carleton. They shared perspectives on Dr. Ambedkar's philosophy and its increasing relevance as India marches forth to attain her destiny, guided by principles of social justice and equality.

Ottawa,
27April 2016