LONDON: Dr BR Ambedkar's birth anniversary was celebrated at the Basaveshwara statue in the London borough of Lambeth, on April 14, in a function organised by former mayor Dr Neeraj Patil on behalf of The Lambeth Basaveshwara Foundation. Patil, speaking on the occasion, drew several similarities between Ambedkar and Basaveshwara as he explained the reason for celebrating former's birthday at the statue.
“Basaveshwara and Ambedkar were both economists and statesmen who resigned from their powerful positions. Basaveshwara resigned from the cabinet of Bijala and Ambedkar resigned from the cabinet of Nehru. Both promoted gender equality and tolerance, and were strong advocates of the freedom of speech. Both fought against untouchability and caste discrimination in the Indian society,” Patil said.
