BJP Wokha district unit on Thursday organised a district-level seminar at the BJP District Office in Wokha to commemorate the contributions of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar under the ongoing Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Samman Abhiyan.
Nagaland Deputy CM and BJP Legislature Party Leader, Y Patton, graced the event as the guest speaker. In his address, he paid homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, praising him as a pioneering jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who stood firm against caste discrimination and championed the rights of the dalit community.
Patton underscored the political hurdles faced by Dr. Ambedkar during his tenure, particularly under Congress rule. He lamented Ambedkar’s repeated exclusion from key cabinet roles and recalled the circumstances surrounding his resignation from Prime Minister Nehru’s cabinet—a result of unfulfilled promises and disregard for dalit concerns.
Highlighting BJP’s role in honoring Ambedkar’s legacy, Patton noted that it was under Prime Minister V.P. Singh, with BJP’s support, that Dr. Ambedkar was conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1990.
He further cited significant steps taken under the current Modi-led government, including the development of the five “Panchteerth” sites and the inauguration of Dr. Ambedkar’s memorial in 2018.
The programme, chaired by BJP Wokha vice president and Wokha Town Council councillor James Tungoe, opened with a prayer by BJP secretary Khochobeni Odyuo and a welcome address by convenor of Wokha District Ambedkar Jayanti Committee, Nongothung Kikon. Brief speeches were delivered by BJP state spokesperson Bichano Ngullie and district president Rhanbemo Odyuo.
A special musical presentation was performed by media secretary of BJYM, BJP Wokha, Emily Murry. Treasurer of BJP Wokha, Bichamo Shitiri, offered the vote of thanks.
Deputy CM Patton also handed over a Bolero vehicle to district president Rhanbemo Odyuo, urging BJP karyakartas to strengthen grassroots leadership and continue dedicated service to the people.