By TCN News
New Delhi: The All India Christian Council (AICC) has appealed to the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama, to pay a tribute to BR Ambedkar, “the Emancipator” after he pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
Mr. Obama is expected to visit India from November 5-8, 2010.
Releasing a letter today, October 12, John Dayal, secretary general of the AICC urged Mr. Obama, saying, “We request you…to record your acknowledgement of the peaceful contribution to world civilization by Ambedkar. He follows the tradition of Abraham Lincoln in emancipating an entire race. He is worthy of the homage of Heads of State, and the adulation of all people of goodwill.”
Mr. Dayal’s appeal today is a part of several requests by numerous Dalit-Bahujan and minority leaders to the President for either a verbal or ceremonial acknowledgement of
Ambedkar, who is revered by Dalits as their savior.
The AICC and several oher Dalit organizations have requested Mr. Obama to lay flowers at Ambedkar’s monument (Deeksha Bhoomi) in the city of Nagpur, at Ambedkar Parinirvan Bhoomi in New Delhi, or Ambedkar’s statue in Parliament House in New Delhi.
The AICC is a coalition of several organizations and lay leaders. It works to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes.