VP C.P. Radhakrishnan highlights Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s vision on women’s empowerment, constitutional values, and inclusive development, stressing gender equality as key to Viksit Bharat 2047 and calling for democratic dialogue, social justice, and collective national progress.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday reaffirmed the enduring relevance of B. R. Ambedkar’s vision for women’s empowerment, calling it a cornerstone for achieving a developed and inclusive India by 2047.
Delivering the Second Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, the Vice President spoke on the theme “Dr. Ambedkar as a Nation Builder: Pathways Towards Viksit Bharat.” He emphasized that Ambedkar regarded the status of women as a true indicator of societal progress, a principle that remains vital in contemporary India.
Radhakrishnan highlighted the increasing participation of women across sectors, noting that their achievements in governance, science, entrepreneurship, and social leadership are shaping the country’s growth trajectory. He pointed to various government initiatives aimed at promoting women-led development, stating that empowering women is essential for building a resilient and progressive nation.
“The vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 cannot be realized without collective commitment to constitutional values,” he said. According to the Vice President, a developed India must be inclusive, equitable, innovative, and deeply rooted in democratic ideals.
Reflecting on Ambedkar’s monumental contribution as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Radhakrishnan said his leadership during extensive deliberations laid the foundation for a nation grounded in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He described the Constitution as one of the world’s most comprehensive democratic frameworks, ensuring rights and dignity for all citizens.
The Vice President also stressed the importance of constitutional morality, drawing from his role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He underlined that democratic institutions must function through meaningful dialogue, informed debate, and constructive discussion. Parliamentary proceedings, he said, should focus on decision-making rather than disruptions, encouraging a culture of respectful engagement.
Highlighting Ambedkar’s broader vision, Radhakrishnan noted that he advocated not only political democracy but also social and economic democracy. These principles, he said, are reflected in several initiatives undertaken in recent years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Programs focusing on financial inclusion, regional development, and social justice align with Ambedkar’s ideals of equitable growth.
The Vice President also praised Ambedkar’s intellectual brilliance, referencing his seminal work The Problem of the Rupee. He remarked that Ambedkar’s courage to question colonial economic policies demonstrated how knowledge and critical thinking can challenge entrenched systems of power.
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The event was attended by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, Secretary Sudhansh Pant, along with scholars, dignitaries, and distinguished guests.
Concluding his address, Radhakrishnan reiterated that Ambedkar’s vision continues to guide India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation, emphasizing that gender equality and inclusive development remain central to that mission.
