TRIBUTE

Rich Tributes Paid to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

New Delhi : Paying rich tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 45th death anniversary on 6 November the Congress president, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, said today every Indian should strive for reducing the rich-poor divide which would be real tribute to the "Father of the Indian Constitution".

Mrs. Gandhi, who was speaking after unveiling a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Old Secretariat and gave away the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Ratna Awards, asserted that the need of the hour was to end the lacunae of poverty from society. "Working for the upliftment of Dalits, oppressed classes and down-trodden is the only way to follow the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar," she added.

Stating that there was a dearth of leaders ready to dedicate themselves for selfless service, Mrs. Gandhi expressed concerns that everyone was now being lured by politics of power. "We are setting a wrong precedent. We should set standards for ourselves and set examples among upcoming generation, giving a boost to national pride."

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi gave away the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Ratna Award for 1999-2000, carrying Rs. 1 lakh, to Sainik Samata Dal, which was founded by Dr. Ambedkar. The award for 2000-2001 was shared by two social activists — Mr. Krishan Murari Jatav and Mr. Tej Lal Bharti. She also gave away awards for the Best Legislator and the Best Journalist.