PRESS RELEASE
A dream finally coming true – An International Memorial to Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar in London
After tense months of delays, on 26 August 2015 the Government of Maharashtra exchanged contracts on 10 King Henry's Road, NW3. This house, located near Primrose Hill in north London, was where Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar lodged in 1921-22. Dr Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), popularly known as Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician andsocial reformer who inspired the Modern Buddhist Movementand campaigned against social discrimination againstUntouchables (Dalits), women and labour. He was Independent India's first law minister and the principal architect of theConstitution of India.
Ms Santosh Dass, MBE, President of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK, comments,
"I am delighted that Mr Raj Kumar Badole, Minister for Social Justice and Special Assistance at Government of Maharashtra, via the High Commission of India in London, has exchanged contracts on 10 King Henry's Road, NW3.
This follows my proposal to GOM in September 2014 that the house be bought by GOM and turned into an educational and cultural centre. Generations of Indians in the UK and visitors studying, interested or inspired by Dr Ambedkar's key roles in furthering social justice, human rights and equal treatment issues will be able to visit. He is a figure on par with William Wilberforce and Dr Martin Luther King. Additionally, its five bedrooms could be used as accommodation for Indian students from Dalit backgrounds while doing post-graduate studies in the UK.
FABO UK has a long history with this site. As part of the celebration of the centenary of Dr Ambedkar's birth, organised under the auspices of FABO UK, English Heritage in 1991 recognised its historic significance and installed a 'blue plaque' on the exterior of the property with the words "DR BHIMRAO RAMJI AMBEDKAR 1891-1956 Indian Crusader for Social Justice lived here 1921-22".
Whilst in this house Dr Ambedkar enriched his academic studies and strengthened his resolve to challenge the impact of the Caste System and British Rule in India. It was also during this time that India's Government was struggling with the falling value of the Indian Rupee – the backdrop to his thesis The Problem of the Rupee: Its origin and its solution.
There is a lot of work to do on the house before it can be opened to visitors.
We look forward to working with GOM and the High Commission in London in the months and years to come to ensure that this cultural and political heritage site is put to uses of which Dr Ambedkar would approve.
FABO UK would like to take this opportunity to thank the following key people in India and the GOM for their tireless and unflinching enthusiasm and support in making our vision a reality: Mr Raj Kumar Badole, GOM's Minister for Social Justice and Special Assistance, His Excellency, Mr Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India in London, and his team, Mr Vinod Tawade, GOM's Minister of, Higher & Technical Education and Cultural Affairs, Mr R K Giakwad IAS (Indian Administrative Services), Ex-Secretary & Commissioner Social Justice Department, Mr Ramdas Athwale, MP, Padma Shri Kalpana Saroj, and Mr Ramesh Katke, Deputy Registrar GOM.
Notes to Editors
Contact Ms Santosh Dass 0044 7902 806342 for more information or press interviews
FABOUK estimated the house would cost GBP 4 million. This includes the current asking price for the property as advertised at GBP 3.1 million; Stamp Duty; legal costs, house insurance costs, and the necessary renovations to the property.
FABO UK
In the UK there are a number of organisations with a common interest in following the teachings of Dr Ambedkar and traditions of Buddhism. FABO, UK with its Head Office in Southall, West London, was formed in 1985 as a central UK body to strengthen these organisations' loose or informal associations. It is a voluntary and non-profit making organisation. FABO UK has a number of objectives. One key one is to propagate the teachings of Dr Ambedkar and Lord Buddha. Over the years the numbers of organisations with a common interest that have joined FABO UK have fluctuated yet grown. FABO UK is run by an elected Executive Team. The current President of FABO UK of Ms Santosh Dass, MBE took up the position September 2013. The joint General Secretaries are Mr Arun Kumar and Mr Gautam Chakravarty.
Buddha Vihara 12 Featherstone Road Southall West London MIDDX UB2 5AA
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