A rich compilation of speeches of B R Ambedkar on a variety of topics like economics, religion, law and Constitution was released here today.
Penned by Member of Planning Commission and National Advisory Council Narendra Jadhav, the book "Ambedkar Speaks" is a systematic study of all speeches attributed to Ambedkar in three volumes.
It has a compilation of 537 of his speeches, which he had given in Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi and English.
Releasing the book, Vice President Hamid Ansari termed Ambedkar as an astute political leader, a prominent constitutionalist and a transformational social reformer.
"Jadhav's work gives us a single window access to collected speeches of great thinker and activists of our times. His ideas and philosophy can be studied with benefit by all concerned citizens in our quest for justice, liberty, equality and fraternity," he said.
"His life and work is a testament of his tireless fight against the abhorrent practise of untouchability and the unjust caste system on behalf of the oppressed and the poor."
About 500 speeches related to landmark developments in the country and the ups and downs in Ambedkar's eventful public life have been reviewed and analysed.
"Of these 301 speeches (which were even translated in English where necessary) are presented in full, with succinct contextualisation and are divided into seven categories which include autobiographical, social, economics, poltics, law and Constitution and guidance to followers," said Jadhav.
Minister of External Affairs, Salman Khurshid and former Supreme Court judge V S Sirpurkar were also present at the event.
