Narendra Modi government working on memorials for BR Ambedkar in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Centre has begun work on an opulent and hi-tech memorial for BR Ambedkar on Alipur Road in north Delhi. The 26 Alipur Road bungalow where Ambedkar spent his last days, and which housed a museum, has been razed. The new building when completed would resemble an open book, signifying the Constitution. The foundation work of the building is in progress.
There will also be an Ambedkar International Centre at Janpath. According to sources, the building plans of both projects were sanctioned by the Central Public Works Department and the work has been entrusted to the National Buildings Construction Corporation. The project plans, which ET viewed, reveal designs that borrow heavily from Buddhist architecture. "Right from the time the projects were conceived, there were demands that we must have elements of Buddhism. So we had given special instructions to the architects," a source said.
The main garden area would have elements like Ashoka pillars and torana gateways, a common element in Buddhist architecture and popularly seen at the entrance of Sanchi Stupa. The torana are two upright columns with figurines of lion and elephant heads denoting strength. These columns support three separate horizontal panels with elaborate figures of lions and elephants.
The torana gateway would also be at the entrance of the main building of Ambedkar International Centre at Janpath. This square building would have various Buddhist architecture elements on the sidewalls of the main building. The roof will be similar to the Sanchi Stupa but have glass panels for natural lighting.
Though the two mega projects would take up to three years for completion, the government has lined up more immediate measures to commemorate Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary. Communications and Information Technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad would unveil a postage stamp on September 30. This would be followed by the launch of two coins – Rs 10 and Rs 125 in October. The coins would have Ambedkar’s bust in his trademark suit and tie. A social justice and empowerment ministry official told ET, "The finance ministry has approved the design. The coins would be launched soon."