On the occasion of Samvidhan Divas (India’s Constitution Day), India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, unveiled a bronze bust of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
The ceremony, held in the presence of UNESCO Director-General Khaled El Enany, was attended by ambassadors and diplomats from more than 50 countries, underscoring Ambedkar’s global legacy as a champion of equality and social justice.
The statue, gifted by the Government of Maharashtra, now stands prominently in the courtyard of the UNESCO complex.
Its unveiling on Constitution Day was both symbolic and historic, marking Ambedkar’s enduring contribution as the principal architect of India’s Constitution.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis celebrated the moment on X, calling it “a proud moment for Maharashtra and India.”
He wrote, “A proud moment for Maharashtra and India. On Constitution Day, the statue of MahaManav BharatRatna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, presented by the Government of Maharashtra, was unveiled at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.”
He expressed gratitude to UNESCO leadership and officials who made the event possible.
Fadnavis highlighted Ambedkar’s profound impact on global thought: “Babasaheb Ambedkar, with his intellect and genius, gave the world a vision of equality, fraternity, and social transformation.
“The Constitution India received, is reflection of his towering ideals. Unveiling his statue on Constitution Day is a gesture of the highest respect toward the Constitution of the world’s largest democracy.”
He also conveyed that the people of Maharashtra view this moment as a heartfelt tribute to Ambedkar, offering congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all those involved in realizing the installation.
The ceremony was jointly conducted by Director-General Khaled El Enany, Ambassador Vishal V. Sharma, and invited dignitaries.
According to the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office, the state has taken significant steps in recent years to honor Ambedkar’s legacy, including acquiring his London residence and converting it into a museum, installing a statue at Koyasan University in Japan, and fast-tracking the International Memorial of Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mill in Mumbai.
Fadnavis reaffirmed that the memorial in Mumbai remains a priority, noting that instructions continue to be issued to ensure its rapid completion.
