UP Government Launches Statewide Plan to Beautify 75 Ambedkar Statues on His 135th Birth Anniversary
Soon after the cabinet approved the proposal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday virtually laid the foundation stone for the beautification and conservation of 75 statues of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar across all 75 districts of the state.
The initiative was launched on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution, aiming to preserve his legacy and ensure that people can pay tribute in a dignified environment.
Addressing the programme, the chief minister said that in the first phase, one Ambedkar statue in each district will be restored and beautified.
Gradually, all statues located on public land will be covered under the initiative.
He emphasised that the effort is meant to safeguard these memorials and create spaces where people can offer their respects without inconvenience.
Highlighting the government’s broader efforts to honour social reformers, Adityanath said that several initiatives have been undertaken to recognise the contributions of figures such as Sant Ravidas, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Maharshi Valmiki.
He noted that PAC battalions have been named after prominent women icons, including Veerangana Jhalkari Bai in Gorakhpur, Avanti Bai Lodhi in Badaun and Uda Devi Pasi in Lucknow, as part of an effort to commemorate their role in history.
Speaking about development work related to Sant Ravidas, the chief minister said that a large park, a statue, a four-lane road and a guest house have been constructed at his birthplace in Varanasi to accommodate large numbers of visitors and devotees.
Similarly, he said encroachments were removed from the site associated with Maharshi Valmiki in Chitrakoot, where infrastructure such as roads and a ropeway has been developed to improve accessibility.
He also mentioned that the Ayodhya international airport has been named after Maharshi Valmiki, describing it as part of a broader effort to recognise the contributions of social reformers and spiritual leaders.
Adityanath further highlighted the development of the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar International Cultural and Research Centre in Lucknow.
According to him, the first phase of the project is nearly complete, while the second phase is expected to be finished by July.
The centre is planned as a major hub for research and learning, equipped with hostels, an auditorium and a grand statue, to promote awareness about social justice and equality.
During his address, the chief minister also criticised opposition parties, accusing them of using Ambedkar’s legacy for political purposes.
Referring to past incidents, he alleged that some parties had failed to respect the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar in practice.
He also raised questions about their commitment towards the welfare and dignity of Dalits.
The chief minister stated that Ambedkar remained deeply committed to the unity and progress of India despite facing challenges, and said respecting national symbols is closely linked to honouring his legacy.
The initiative, according to the government, is part of a larger effort to preserve historical memory and strengthen awareness about the contributions of leaders who worked for social equality and justice in India.
