Largest Ambedkar statue outside India to be unveiled in U.S. on Oct 14

Story by IANS | Posted by Tripti Nath | Date 03-10-2023

Statue of B.R. Ambedkar

New York (United States)

A 19-foot statue of B.R. Ambedkar, named 'Statue of Equality' and also the largest outside India, is set to be unveiled in the US state of Maryland on October 14 to celebrate the life and legacy of the leader and architect of the Indian Constitution.

Built on 13 acres of land in Accokeek city, just 21 miles away from White House, it is a replica of the world's largest 125-feet Ambedkar statue unveiled in Hyderabad recently, according to the organisers.

According to the Ambedkar International Center (AIC), it is the "largest statue of Ambedkar outside India", and part of the organisation's first Ambedkar Memorial project in the US.

"Be a part of this inspiring occasion as we honor Dr Ambedkar’s contributions to equality, human rights, and empowerment," AIC said in a statement.

"Witness the grand unveiling of the magnificent statue, a symbol of his enduring influence, and pay homage to the great leader who dedicated his life to fighting injustice."

The event, which will begin at 10 a.m., will be followed by cultural performances.

The statue is crafted by renowned artist and sculptor Ram Sutar, a Padma Shri award recipient, who also built the biggest Sardar Patel statue in Ahmedabad.

Sutar has made more than 90 monumental sculptures in the last sixty years, which have been placed in India, the US, France, Argentina, Italy, Russia and Malaysia.