President pays tributes to Ambedkar at 'Deekshabhoomi'

Paying glowing tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar, President Ram Nath Kovind today said the architect of the Indian constitution laid the foundation for equality and paved way for progress of all people by ushering in a social revolution.

In a message in the visitors' book at the Deekshabhoomi, where Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with a large following in 1956, the president described the place as a "holy precinct" that inspires the whole world towards sacrifice, peace and humanity.

Ambedkar had laid the foundation of equality ('samta') and social revolution ('samaj kranti') from the holy Deekshabhoomi, which paved way for the progress of Indians and the entire human race, Kovind stated in his message.

The president is on his first visit to Maharashtra after assuming office.

Kovind, who arrived here on a day-long visit, proceeded to the Deekshabhoomi after the reception at the airport.

He was accompanied by Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Ramdas Athawale.