The grateful nation pays homage to the Father of Indian Constitution and Bharat Ratna, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his 54th death anniversary today. In a function organised at the Parliament premises, President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh alongwith Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs. Meira Kumar paid homage to the departed soul at his statue. Several leaders across the spectrum also paid tribute to the Dalit icon. Various programmes have been organised across the country including the national capital to mark the occasion.