President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday led the nation in paying homage to the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar on his 128th birth anniversary. <br />'' <br />'' Mr Kovind paid floral tributes at the statue of Dr Ambedkar at the Parliament House Lawns in New Delhi.<br />'' <br />'' Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawarchand Gehlot were among the dignitaries who also paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar.<br />'' <br />'' In his message, President Ram Nath Kovind said, Dr Ambedkar was an outstanding leader of the country's freedom struggle and a staunch crusader for the rights of the downtrodden.<br />'' <br />'' Rich tribute was paid to the Dalit icon in various parts of the country.<br />