Nagpur :- Indian Bureau of Mines under the aegis of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smruti Samiti organized the 135th Birth Anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at its Headquarters in Nagpur on 17.04.2026. The program was presided over by Pankaj Kulshrestha, Controller General, IBM. Hon’ble Justice R. C. Chavan, Former Judge of the Bombay High Court, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Bodhi Ramteke, Advocate, Researcher & Social Justice Practitioner (Erasmus Mundus Scholar 2025), attended the event as the Guest of Honour. They were joined on the dais by Gumna Ram, DCoM and President of the Samiti and Nilesh Mahatme, Secretary.
In his presidential address, Pankaj Kulshrestha reflected on the progress of societies across the world, noting that even developed nations like the USA faced deep social inequalities in their early years. He emphasized that true progress is achieved when people rise above divisions of religion, caste, and region, and expressed hope that the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar would continue to guide society towards unity and inclusive growth.
Justice R. C. Chavan highlighted Babasaheb Ambedkar’s profound vision regarding the Constitution, stating that its success depends entirely on how it is implemented by the people. He reiterated Dr Ambedkar’s belief that a society free from caste and religious divisions is essential for achieving true equality and fraternity, and that without these values, the spirit of the Constitution cannot be realized.
Bodhi Ramteke, in his insightful address, spoke about India’s rich ideological heritage shaped by great reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. He emphasized that Babasaheb’s struggle not only challenged inequality-based social structures but also paved the way for dignity, equality, and human rights, while also referring to movements like the Mahad Satyagraha.
Gumna Ram and Nilesh Mahatme highlighted the role of Samiti in propagating the ideas and teachings of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Earlier, the event commenced with Vande Mataram, followed by the garlanding of the portrait of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and a musical presentation featuring Buddha and Bheem geet by Ashok Patel and his group. A felicitation ceremony was also organized, during which the musical group and the employees due for retirement were honoured with tokens of appreciation. The distinguished guests were felicitated with shawl and mementos by Pankaj Kulshrestha.
The program was compered by Pradnya Deo in a methodical manner. The introduction of the Guest of Honour was delivered by Saumya Anand, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Shreyasi Das. Copies of the book “My Autobiography” were distributed to the attendees. The event concluded with the National Anthem, bringing the celebration to a respectful and memorable close.