Nation today remembered the architect of the Indian Constitution and Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar on his 61st death anniversary. Dr. Ambedkar died on this day in 1956. Since then, Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed every year to pay him tributes.

Dr Ambedkar was a jurist, economist, politician and a social reformer who campaigned against social discrimination of Dalits, women and labourers. President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others who paid floral tributes at the statue of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar in Parliament House complex in New Delhi today.

Loksabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, senior BJP leader LK Advani, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawaar Chand Gehlot and other dignitaries also offered tributes to Dr Ambedkar. In a tweet, Prime Minister said, country will always be thankful to Dr. Ambedkar for his rich service to the nation.

On the 61st death anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar, the Father of Indian Constitution, lakhs of people are expected to converge at Chaitya Bhoomi today, where his ashes have been interred. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai – MCGM has made adequate arrangements for pilgrims who come to visit Chaitya Bhoomi on Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

MCGM has set up 10 control rooms to guide visitors. Almost 11 ambulances have been stationed at various locations around Shivaji Park and Chaityabhoomi. More than 400 stalls, about 200 mobile toilets, water tankers, utility vehicles and fire engines have also been set up to aid the visitors.

Around 750 workers have been put on duty round the clock at the venue and Dadar Chowpatty beach, which has the book stalls. With lakhs of people expected to visit Chaitya bhoomi, the venue will also be kept under constant CCTV surveillance. Mumbai Police too has made elaborate arrangements to maintain law and order and also to ensure smooth flow of traffic.