Epic Celebration Ignites 135th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Ghatkopar with Massive Community Resonance

Mumbai, April 15, 2026: In an awe-inspiring
spectacle of devotion, unity, and cultural resurgence, the 135th birth
anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the visionary Chief Architect of
the Indian Constitution and an unparalleled Nation Builder, erupted in
magnificent grandeur at the Police Ground, Ghatkopar. More than 10,000 jubilant
participants from every corner of Mumbai thronged the venue, transforming the
evening into a powerful testament to Babasaheb’s enduring legacy of equality,
justice, and empowerment.

Organised by the Rashtranirmata Dr Babasaheb
Ambedkar Vichar Samiti, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vijay Kadam,
Mangaltai Jagtap and Pradeep Adangle, in association with Metta Foundation
spearheaded by Sonali Ramteke Tamdadge, along with Ghatkopar Smaarak Samiti and
Shahid Smaarak Samiti, this grand pre-Ambedkar Jayanti event emerged as one of
the most spectacular and inclusive community celebrations in recent years.
Building upon the phenomenal success of four back-to-back Ambedkar Jayanti
festivals in Worli that deeply resonated with local residents, the organisers
masterfully amplified Babasaheb’s timeless message, ensuring it reverberated
powerfully throughout Ghatkopar and far beyond.

The atmosphere pulsed with electric energy as
superstar singer Adarsh Shinde mesmerised the vast audience with his
soul-stirring Bhimgeetmala, igniting spontaneous dancing and collective
singing. These electrifying performances were brilliantly complemented by
vibrant displays from the local Lezim Dancers Group, captivating theatrical
acts, and around 20 fiercely contested competitions spanning chess to cricket.
A major highlight was the felicitation of winners from an exhilarating cricket
tournament that witnessed enthusiastic participation from Dr. Harshdeep Kamble,
Principal Secretary, Social Justice, who joined players alongside Sonali
Ramteke Tamgadge and Girish Wankhede. Adding a powerful modern touch, two
AI-generated films; one vividly depicting the historic Mahad Satyagraha and the
other tracing the inspiring journey of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, received thunderous
applause and heartfelt cheers from the captivated crowd.

The emotional pinnacle arrived with the
ceremonial cutting of a colossal 135 kg cake, symbolising the 135th
anniversary, jointly performed by Dr. Harshdeep Kamble and Bhimrao Y. Ambedkar.
They were joined by distinguished dignitaries including Shri Vijay Waghmare IAS
– Secretary, Tribal Development Department; Shri Krisna IRS – Ex Principal
Chief Commissioner of Income Tax; Shri Rajesh Gawande IFS – Chief Protocol
Officer of the state and FDI; Dr Pallavi Darade IRS – Maharashtra FDA
Commissioner; Shri Kailash Pagare IAS – Commissioner, Integrated Child
Development Services; Mrs Prerna Deshbhartar IAS – Managing Director LIDCOM;
Shri Pandurang Raut IRS, Shri Bharat Kadam PS to Hon Minister Shri Sanjay
Shirsat, Pandit Shri Mukesh Jadhav; Shri Sandeep Dongre and Archana Dongre –
Academicians; Singer Sandesh Umap; Influencers Raja Naidu and Rushabh More;
literary stalwart J.V. Pawar, AI Enterprenuer Shailesh Tamgadge and Girish
Wankhede, the eminent Movie Trade Analyst.

Flawlessly hosted by Dr. Vijay Kadam and Farah
Khan, the entire programme unfolded with exemplary discipline, seamless
coordination, and infectious enthusiasm, creating an unforgettable experience
for all. The event was also combined with the celebration of the Bicentenary of
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and the approaching centenary year of the landmark Mahad
Satyagraha. The sacred water of the legendary Chavdar Lake was specially brought
and used at the installation of a majestic Mahad Chavdar Lake replica for
visitors, while the flags of more than hundred Buddhist countries where Dr B R
Ambedkar’s Jayanti is celebrated, gracefully surrounded the entire ground.

Dr. Harshdeep Kamble shared his profound
appreciation, remarking, “This stands as one of the grandest celebrations in
recent memory, driven by overwhelming participation from local residents,
particularly the spirited youth and youngsters who poured in with unmatched
zeal to honour Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.” A visibly delighted Bhimrao Y. Ambedkar
echoed the sentiment, stating, “I am truly amazed by the extraordinary talent
shining within our community. The powerful voices of our singing artists, the
boundless energy, and the electrifying atmosphere here are simply wonderful and
deeply inspiring.”

The venue blossomed into a vibrant cultural
and entrepreneurial festival, complete with mouth-watering food stalls, a
breathtaking artistic replica of Chavdar Lake (Mahad), a towering majestic
statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, bustling entrepreneur kiosks, and extensive book
stalls that celebrated the community’s profound love for knowledge and
enlightenment.

Strategically held ahead of the main April 14
observances, when families and colonies celebrate independently, this
pre-Jayanti mega-event fostered a profound sense of collective pride,
solidarity, and shared purpose.

This monumental gathering not only offered
rich, heartfelt tributes to Dr. Ambedkar’s transformative vision but also
forged stronger bonds of empowerment, cultural renaissance, and community
harmony among thousands. It has undoubtedly set a shining new benchmark for
vibrant, inclusive celebrations dedicated to the father of social justice in
Mumbai and beyond.