A grateful Nation today paid homage to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his 56th Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Several programmes were organised across the country to pay respect to Dr Ambedkar.

The main function was held at Parliament House complex where President, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil led the nation in paying tributes at his statue.

The Vice President, Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Mrs Meira Kumar also offered tributes to the Father of the Indian Constitution. The UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and senior BJP leader L.K Advani among other dignitaries, paid floral tributes to Dr. Ambedkar.

At a function organised at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Mayawati laid foundation stone and launched 160 welfare projects and schemes at a cost of 1500 crore rupees on this occasion. It includes road and bridge construction, drinking water, family welfare and power projects.