“Dr. Ambedkar gave shape to India’s economic vision,” asserted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, underscoring the enduring significance of the ideas of the visionary leader, and its importance in shaping the direction of India’s economic framework.
Paying tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on the occasion of his 135th birth anniversary, the Maharashtra CM subsequently addressed a commemorative gathering organized for the occasion. Celebrations were seen across the state, with a major commemorative event held at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with other ministers and civic officials, were present to pay their respects.
Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution to India extended far beyond social reform, emphasizing his role in nation-building through the Constitution. “One individual, with a pen and a vision, transformed the country. The Constitution he authored laid the foundation for equality, justice, and the elimination of social discrimination,” he said.
He noted that the Constitution helped dismantle entrenched inequalities based on caste, religion, and gender, paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive India. “India’s progress today is rooted in the strong constitutional framework envisioned by Dr. Ambedkar, which remains one of the finest in the world,” the Chief Minister added.
Fadnavis also highlighted Ambedkar’s significant contributions to economic thought. He pointed out that Ambedkar had advocated key principles related to monetary policy, including early ideas around central banking and the importance of gold-backed currency systems.
Referring to Ambedkar’s economic writings from 1923, the Chief Minister said many of his ideas were later adopted globally and remained influential for decades. He observed that while countries like the United States eventually moved away from gold-backed systems, recent global trends show renewed interest in gold reserves, underscoring the relevance of Ambedkar’s foresight.
Commenting on currency fluctuations, Fadnavis said exchange rates alone do not fully reflect economic strength. He stressed the importance of purchasing power parity as a more meaningful measure in assessing economic performance, particularly in a globalized economy driven by exports.
Reiterating Ambedkar’s enduring legacy, the Chief Minister said his ideas continue to guide modern economic thinking and governance, and paid homage to the architect of the Indian Constitution on his birth anniversary.
India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, also paid homage to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Parliament complex earlier today, as tributes flowed in for the legendary leader.
