More than 100 Kiwi-Indians gathered in the banquet hall of New Zealand Parliament on May 10 to celebrate 125th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar—the principal architect of the Constitution of India.
Prime Minister John Key was the chief guest for the occasion. National MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar was lauded for her efforts for hosting the event organised by Ambedkar Sports and Cultural Club. This new trend of recognising and celebrating days that have significance for the Indians, is the acknowledgement of the 200 thousand strong Indian diaspora living in New Zealand.
Also present at the occasion were National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand HE Sanjiv Kohli.
Popularly known as Babasaheb, Dr Ambedkar was the first law minister of India, an Indian economist, and social reformer. He campaigned against social discrimination against Dalits (untouchables). He also supported the rights of women and labour.