Telangana celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti at the Tank Bund statue with an exhibition showcasing his life through photos and sculptures, and a handwoven Pochampally tapestry at BRKR Bhavan honouring his legacy
Published Apr 14, 2025 | 4:24 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 14, 2025 | 4:24 PM
Tank Bund turns blue as Hyderabad celebrates Ambedkar Jayanti
Synopsis: On 14 April, 2025, Telangana marked the 134th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar with a grand celebration at his statue near Tank Bund. A special exhibition showcased his life through photos and sculptures, while Pochampally weavers created a striking handwoven tapestry at BRKR Bhavan. The tribute transformed the site into a vibrant, living homage to Ambedkar’s legacy
Today, 14 April, 2025, marks the 134th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a towering figure in the country’s history. To commemorate Ambedkar Jayanti, the Government of Telangana celebrated the Statue of BR Ambedkar near Tank Bund, near the Telangana Secretariat.
At the heart of the celebration was an exhibition, housed in the hall beneath the statue, where a circular wall tells Ambedkar’s story through archival photographs—from his academic journey across continents, to his time in India. The rest of the space is filled with sculptures that reflect his ideas and contributions. Adding to the tribute, the nearby BRKR Bhavan was draped with a massive tapestry created by Pochampally weavers, showcasing Ambedkar in rich, handwoven detail. The setting, vibrant and reverent, turned the space into more than a site of celebration—it became a living homage.
A Pochampally tapestry of Ambedkar
The steps leading up to the hall under Ambedkar’s statue were covered in footwear. There was no sign asking the people to do so, and the guards couldn’t care less about the footwear either. Yet, like an unsaid rule, many took off their footwear, treating the venue like a temple to Ambedkar.
If the streets were washed saffron during the recent Shobha Yatra in Hyderabad, today’s colour was blue. Reminiscent of Ambedkar’s ubiquitous image with a blue suit, several visitors donned blue tees, scarves, or flags. Every so often, between all the chatter, one can hear a distant ring of Jai Bhim
In front of a tall photograph, a boy can be seen posing while looking up to Ambedkar, both literally and figuratively, as his friends click his picture. The entire inner wall of the circular room tells the story of Ambedkar in pictures. From his days in the US, UK, and Germany to his PhD from Osmania, one gets to revel in a time past. In a story so well known.
A sculpture of Ambedkar’s statue in Hyderabad
Outside the hall, below the towering statue, the atmosphere is more carnivalesque. With some singing songs, others sitting on the grass, and people walking up to Ambedkar’s photo to pay floral tribute, the day seems like any other festival. As the crowd began to swell, several others arrived at a bike rally, chanting Jai Bhim as their flags waved. In some distance, right in front of the BR Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, the Samata Sainik Dal took out a march. Founded by Ambedkar in 1924, its name translates to Army of Soldiers for Equality. Clad in blue, they marched with the same sincerity as a police or army parade.
Samata Dainik Dal, clad in blue, marches towards the #Ambedkar statue in #Hyderabad to pay respects on #AmbedkarJayanti2025 in #Telangana. pic.twitter.com/k3ZL1Th2Pj
— Saicharan Sana (@Saicharan_Sana) April 14, 2025
With several leaders across party lines celebrating the icon of Indian history, the Ambedkar Jayanthi celebrations at his statue make for a far more accessible way to celebrate him without picking a political side.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
