Punjab BJP chief flags off buses carrying devotees on Panch Teerth Yatra
Chandigarh, June 14
Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Sunday flagged off three buses carrying devotees on the Panch Teerth Yatra associated with Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
The pilgrimage from Chandigarh will provide the participants with an opportunity to visit historic sites connected with Dr Ambedkar's life, which have been developed and revitalised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dhillon said that the yatra, scheduled till June 21, would cover five prominent pilgrimage sites linked to the life and legacy of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar. He said that the BJP government has not only developed these sites with investments worth thousands of crores but has also undertaken special efforts to create awareness about their historical and social significance.
During the journey, devotees will visit Mhow (the birthplace), Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Delhi, and the Virtual Shiksha Bhoomi, which has been established in Delhi. All these sites are closely associated with Dr Ambedkar's life, struggles, and his immense contribution to social justice.
The Bharatiya Janata Party government has spent approximately Rs 2,000 crore on the development and preservation of these memorials to ensure that future generations continue to draw inspiration from Babasaheb's thoughts, ideals, and contributions.
Approximately 150 devotees are participating in this unique pilgrimage.
S.R. Laddhar, President of the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha, Punjab, and a former IAS officer, will lead the delegation. Laddhar said that the primary objective of the Panch Teerth Yatra is to take Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar's message to every section of society and to express the nation's gratitude towards him.
He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all five pilgrimage sites associated with Babasaheb have, for the first time, received special national recognition and honour.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good that they are preserving Ambedkar's legacy, but isn't it funny how the same party that opposed reservation for decades is now doing PR tours? 🤔 Would have been more meaningful if they actually focused on implementing his vision for social justice in education and employment.
As a Punjabi, I appreciate that our state BJP unit is organizing such yatras. Dr Ambedkar's struggle for Dalits and women's rights cannot be forgotten. The Rs 2,000 crore investment is welcome if it truly preserves history. However, I wish more non-Dalits would also participate to understand Babasaheb's philosophy.
Interesting to see this from my Indian friends' perspective. In the US, we also have presidential libraries and historic sites. It's important to honor social reformers like Dr. Ambedkar. Hope this inspires genuine change beyond just photo ops. 🙌
My family is from Mhow, and I've seen the developments there. It's true that the memorials have improved a lot. But what about the ground reality for Dalits in villages? We need both — tourism and real social change. Let's not forget that Ambedkar fought for dignity, not just statues.
Panch Teerth Yatra is a beautiful concept — covering all important places from his birth to his death. My grandfather used to tell me about Deekshabhoomi. It's good that the youth can now visit these places easily. Well done, PM Modi and Punjab BJP! 🇮🇳
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