In a momentous event commemorating Constitution Day, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, at the Supreme Court of India. This significant event was graced by the presence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, among other dignitaries.
The unveiling of the statue is not just a tribute but a powerful symbol of Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring legacy in shaping the Indian legal and constitutional framework. The statue, standing at an impressive height of seven feet, is strategically placed on the front lawn of the Supreme Court premises. It portrays Dr. Ambedkar in a lawyer’s gown, with a copy of the Constitution in his hand, symbolizing his instrumental role in drafting this pivotal document.
The journey to this momentous unveiling began with the persistent efforts of a group of Ambedkarite lawyers. In December of the previous year, these lawyers had put forward a request to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. Their letter was not just a request but a profound expression of the symbolic importance of having a statue of Dr. Ambedkar at the Supreme Court. They argued that such an installation would be a fitting homage to his monumental contributions to the Indian legal system and the crafting of the Constitution.
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The movement gained further momentum in September 2023 when the Supreme Court Arguing Counsel Association (SCACA) lent their voice to this cause. Their representation to the authorities echoed the earlier calls for the installation of Dr. Ambedkar’s statue, thereby adding considerable weight to the demand. This collective advocacy underscored the deep respect and recognition of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy within the legal community.
The unveiling of Dr. Ambedkar’s statue at the Supreme Court is a historic event that goes beyond mere symbolism. It serves as a constant reminder of the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution – justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These principles, which Dr. Ambedkar so passionately advocated for, remain at the core of the Indian democratic ethos and legal system. The statue stands not only as a tribute to a great visionary but also as an embodiment of the constitutional ideals that continue to guide the nation.
