IN a resounding tribute, the Province of B.C. and the City of Surrey declared April 14, 2024 as “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Equality Day.”

A proclamation signed by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin and Attorney General Niki Sharma, reads:

“Whereas British Columbia is a culturally diverse province comprising many peoples and communities, and

“whereas Indigenous people, Black people and people of colour in British Columbia continue to experience systemic racism, injustices, discrimination and hate, and the government of British Columbia is committed to addressing all forms  of racism and discrimination, and

“whereas born in India on April 14, 1891, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was an Indian politician, economist and social reformer known as the “Father of the Constitution of India” who advocated for the rights of Dalit communities and led the movement against systemic discrimination based on caste, and

“whereas Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Equality Day is an opportunity to remember and honour his legacy of dedication to equality and social justice, which continues to inspire people in British Columbia and across the world;

“now know ye that we do by these presents proclaim and declare that April 14, 2024, shall be known as

““Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Equality Day.”

ANOTHER proclamation, signed by Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, reads:

“Whereas Surrey is a multicultural and diverse city; and

“whereas concerns about inequality and inequity continue to be experienced globally and efforts to  eradicate inequalities need to be supported and strengthened; and

“whereas Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, born in India, on April 14, 1891, in a community of Dalits (previously known as ‘untouchables’), chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly to make and enact the new constitution of India; and

“whereas the dedicated efforts and vision of Dr. Ambedkar to bring about a just social and  economic order should be celebrated not only in India but rest of the world as well;

“now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Brenda Locke, do hereby declare April 14, 2024 as “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality” and encourage the citizens of Surrey to recognize and celebrate each other.”