The Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday flagged off three buses carrying devotees for the Panch Teerth Yatra dedicated to Dr B.R. Ambedkar. The initiative was launched from Chandigarh as part of a pilgrimage programme aimed at highlighting key locations associated with Ambedkar’s life and legacy.
Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon flagged off the buses and said the yatra would continue until June 21. He added that participants would visit five historically significant sites linked to Dr Ambedkar, which have been developed and promoted under various government initiatives to preserve his legacy and promote awareness about his contribution to social justice.
The pilgrimage covers Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Dr Ambedkar, along with Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, Mahaparinirvan Sthal in New Delhi, and the Virtual Shiksha Bhoomi in Delhi. These locations are widely regarded as important centres connected to Ambedkar’s life, his social reform movement, and his role in framing India’s Constitution.
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According to Dhillon, the initiative reflects efforts by the BJP-led government to develop and maintain these memorials with significant financial investment. He stated that large-scale funds have been allocated for infrastructure improvement and preservation of these sites to ensure that future generations remain connected to Ambedkar’s ideals and teachings.
The organisers said around 150 devotees are participating in the yatra. The group will travel across the country over the course of a week-long journey, visiting each of the designated sites and engaging with their historical and cultural significance.
S.R. Laddhar, President of the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha in Punjab and a former IAS officer, is leading the delegation. He said the objective of the Panch Teerth Yatra is to spread Ambedkar’s message of equality, education and social reform across all sections of society while paying tribute to his legacy.
He further added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all five pilgrimage sites linked to Dr Ambedkar have received renewed national attention and structured development for the first time, helping to formalise their status as important centres of remembrance.
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