Vijayawada Division Celebrates 134th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

The Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway today commemorated the 134th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with grandeur and reverence at the Divisional Railway Auditorium, Vijayawada. The event was graced by Shri Narendra A. Patil, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway, as the Chief Guest. Shri P.E. Edwin, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Infrastructure), and Shri Srinivasa Rao Konda, ADRM (Operations), Vijayawada Division, SCR, were present as the Guests of Honour.

The celebration commenced with a soulful prayer, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and floral tributes to the portrait of Babasaheb by officers and staff, setting a solemn and respectful tone. Shri Prem Kumar Lakawat, Senior Divisional Personnel Officer (Sr.DPO), Vijayawada Division, SCR extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and attendees, and in his address, reflected on Dr. Ambedkar’s extraordinary contribution to shaping an inclusive and equitable India. He emphasised that the Division continues to uphold Babasaheb’s vision through initiatives aimed at societal progress and equality.

In his keynote address, Shri Narendra A. Patil, DRM, hailed Dr. Ambedkar as a towering national icon—the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a tireless crusader for the rights of the marginalised. He lauded the enduring strength and relevance of the Indian Constitution and called upon railway employees to embody Ambedkar’s ideals of justice, equality, and social reform, urging everyone to become agents of positive change.

Shri P.E. Edwin, ADRM (Infrastructure), highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s unparalleled resolve in overcoming systemic barriers and economic hardship, likening him to a phoenix rising through adversity. He spoke of Ambedkar’s historic achievement as the first Dalit barrister and his lasting contributions to humanity.

Shri Srinivasa Rao Konda, ADRM (Operations), underlined Dr. Ambedkar’s visionary leadership across multiple domains—including labour reforms, human rights, and the establishment of employment exchanges. He noted that Ambedkar’s legacy has helped shape India into a thriving democracy and a global economic powerhouse.

As part of the celebrations, DRM Shri Narendra A. Patil and senior officials felicitated winners of various competitions organised in the past two weeks, distributing prizes and cash awards in recognition of their participation and excellence.

Representatives from various unions and trade associations also paid rich tributes to Dr. Ambedkar, offering their heartfelt wishes to the employees and acknowledging his everlasting legacy.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Prem Kumar Lakawat, Sr.DPO, who expressed sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and staff for making the celebration a resounding success. Over 550 staff members enthusiastically took part in the event, making it a truly memorable tribute to one of India’s greatest sons.

SCR BZA PR No.10

Date: 15^th April, 2025