“Rutba mere sar ko tere samvidhan se mila hai,” the couplet echoes. It speaks of the honor and status derived from the constitution. Today we stand before the Statue of B. R. Ambedkar. It stands in Delhi. This statue commemorates a pivotal figure in India’s history.
The Statue of B. R. Ambedkar honors Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. He was the architect of the Indian Constitution. This statue serves as a powerful reminder of his contributions to social reform. It reminds us of his work as a political leader.
In the Supreme Court complex a new statue of Dr. Ambedkar has become a hit. People seek an impressive backdrop for photos and videos. President Droupadi Murmu unveiled it on Constitution Day, November 26. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal were present.
The over seven-foot tall sculpture has become a prime attraction. It has replaced the Supreme Court’s grand staircase. The staircase had been the favored spot for photos. Videos of lawyers posing in front of the statue are easily found on Instagram. They are shared with hashtags like #JusticeForAll and #LegalEagles. Visitors often indulge in quick photo-ops.
The Ambedkar statue provides a glowing backdrop. Creative frills complement it. Inspirational quotes and graduation hat emoticons add to the setting. Popular songs and music from movies like Animal and KGF are also used. There are other significant statues dedicated to Dr. Ambedkar across the country. The Statue of Knowledge in Latur celebrates his contributions to society.
The Supreme Court Bar Association had a longstanding demand for the Ambedkar statue. Around 2014-15, SCBA displayed a portrait of Dr. Ambedkar in the court library. Every year on Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary lawyers paid tribute to him. The CJI and other judges of the court joined them.
The statue has Ambedkar dressed in a lawyer’s robes. He faces the apex court. It looks as if he is entering the court. The Statue of B. R. Ambedkar is positioned on the front lawn and garden. It is mounted atop a pedestal. Ambedkar holds a copy of the Constitution in his left hand. Sculptor Naresh Kumawat created the statue.
During the inauguration, President Murmu emphasized making justice accessible. She highlighted barriers like cost and language. She paid tributes to Ambedkar. He was independent India’s first law minister. Following the unveiling, President Murmu and CJI Chandrachud planted saplings.
On December 6, the CJI and other judges paid tributes to Ambedkar. They did this on his death anniversary. The CJI asserted, “We have to stand by the values of Dr Ambedkar.”
The stairs leading up to the courtrooms were once a major attraction. Young lawyers and interns sought to capture their apex court moments there. Visits to the Supreme Court were incomplete without a slow-motion video on the staircase.
The Statue of B. R. Ambedkar stands as a symbol of justice. It is a testament to the values enshrined in the Constitution. It is a place where legal professionals and visitors alike pay homage. They honor a man who shaped modern India.