Rich tributes paid to Ambedkar, Kovind visits Dalit icon's birthplace

Rich tributes were today paid to B R Ambedkar on his 127th birth anniversary with Ram Nath Kovind becoming the first President to visit the birthplace of the chief architect of the Constitution in Madhya Pradesh's Mhow to pay homage on the occasion.

Speaking at a function, Kovind urged people to follow the path of peace, harmony and brotherhood shown by the Dalit icon.

His statement assumes significance in the backdrop of the April 2 nationwide Dalit bandh, which saw large-scale violence in several states, including Madhya Pradesh where more than half a dozen people lost their lives.

"The society needs 'samrasta' (harmony) today and not 'samar' (conflict or war)...It needs non-violence and peace," he said.

Kovind said, "The country saw 13 presidents before me. I came to know I am the first president to visit Ambedkar's birthplace on the occasion of his birth anniversary."