Ambedkar’s message of equality for all has universal relevance: President Kovind in Jamaica

Kingston/New Delhi, May 17 (FN Agency) President Ram Nath Kovind, who is in Jamaica on a four-day visit, inaugurated the naming of a prominent street in Kingston as Dr Ambedkar Avenue, and said Dr BR Ambedkar’s message of equality for all and to end all forms of discrimination has universal resonance. President Kovind also inaugurated the India-Jamaica Friendship Garden in the city and planted a sandalwood sapling at Hope Botanical Gardens. A part of Tower Street in downtown Kingston was on Monday officially renamed in honour of social reformer and father of the Indian Constitution Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. A monument highlighting the work of Dr Ambedkar was also unveiled by Jamaican Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, and President Ram Nath Kovind. In his remarks, McKenzie said it was important to recognise and pay tribute to an outstanding son of India, whose mark was felt not only in India but right across the world. “As a mark of our deep respect and to continue to forge that relationship between the people of India and Jamaica, I warmly embrace and salute this unveiling and renaming and hope that the relationship between both countries will continue,” he added. Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams, said the city of Kingston has had a long tradition in the fight against discrimination, oppression and social injustice on continents across the globe. “Indeed, through our music, literature, writings, and various art forms we have waged campaigns against social injustice, oppression and discrimination globally,” Senator Williams said. He noted that Jamaica’s rich history and bonds with India date back to the 19th Century when indentured labourers from India arrived on the shores of Jamaica.

“To date, Indians continue to play a major role in the economic life of the city of Kingston. Indians have contributed to what our culture is, so we are greatly indebted to the people of India for who we are today as a city and as a people,” Senator Williams said. “As Mayor, it is an honour for me to participate in this unveiling ceremony for the renaming of a section of Tower Street, namely from Church Street to Lower South Camp Road, in honour of Dr B.R. Ambedkar,” he added. President Kovind in his remarks said “it fills me with great pride that one of the ablest sons of India has been recognised so far away from his home”. “Dr B.R. Ambedkar is formally known as the architect of the Indian Constitution. He introduced progressive ideas for the social and economic empowerment of the depressed classes into the Indian Constitution. Dr Ambedkar educated and inspired the people towards the goal of removing inequality,” President Kovind said. He noted that some people may wonder about the relevance of Dr Ambedkar to Jamaica. “Let us always remember that icons like Dr Ambedkar and Marcus Garvey cannot be limited to just one nation or community. Their message of equality for all and their appeal to end all forms of discrimination has universal resonance,” the President said. “Therefore, Dr Ambedkar’s message is as relevant to Indians as it is to Jamaicans and to people in every part of the world,” he added. Earlier on Monday, President Kovind held talks with Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica, and with Prime Minister Andrew Holness. President Kovind also laid a wreath at the Marcus Garvey Shrine in Kingston. Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican-born nationalist and leader of the Pan African movement. In tweets, Rashtrapati Bhavan said: “President Ram Nath Kovind met Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica.

They discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of IT and related services, medical and pharma sector, sports and education, tourism and hospitality industry and development partnership.” “President Ram Nath Kovind met Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica. They discussed enhancing cooperation between the two countries in trade and investment, service, health, railway and transport services and sports.” “India and Jamaica signed one MoU on cooperation between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica. The MoU will facilitate close academic and training exchange for foreign service officers of Jamaica in the SSIFS.” “President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Dr Ambedkar Avenue in downtown Kingston in honour of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar.” “Mr. Mark Golding, Leader of Opposition of Jamaica, called on President Ram Nath Kovind.” Indian High Commissioner Masakui Rungsung in an interview to a local daily described the decision to rename parts of Tower Street after the late Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, as a touching tribute. The request, which was made in the latter half of 2021, was formally approved by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) during a special sitting at the Jamaica Conference Centre on May 6. “It was a tremendous and fascinating moment for me. It was very emotional, too, because more than 15,000km from India, the KSAMC debated, deliberated, and articulated very beautifully and forcefully in favour of this,” Rungsung said on Sunday.

Comparing Ambedkar to Garvey, whose message of black empowerment fuelled race pride globally and nationalist movements in Africa, Rungsung said that the late Indian rights lobbyist was “an iconic figure” who spearheaded the creation of that country’s constitution. “He was the father and architect of our constitution, the constitution of the largest democracy in the world. After 75 years of our independence, this constitution stands and has served us while many constitutions in other parts of the world have faltered,” said Rungsung. Earlier, President Kovind arrived on Sunday afternoon in Jamaica on a four-day state visit. He was received at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston by Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica, and Prime Minister Andrew Holness. This is the first ever visit by an Indian Head of State to the Caribbean nation. The visit comes as Jamaica is celebrating 60 years of political independence and also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and India. President Kovind will address a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of the Jamaican Parliament. Jamaica is also one of the Girmitya countries with a 70,000 strong Indian diaspora. This year also marks the 176th anniversary of the Indians in Jamaica. As part of the common love for cricket the President would hand over cricket kits for aspiring young cricketers to the president of the Jamaica Cricket Association.