Constitution Day 2025 witnessed a historic moment as UNESCO unveiled a bust of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Paris — international recognition of India’s constitutional values and his legacy of social justice.
Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Bust Unveiled at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Constitution Day — International Recognition for India’s Constitution Architect
On 26 November 2025, during the national observance of Constitution Day, India achieved a significant diplomatic and symbolic milestone: a bronze bust of Dr B. R. Ambedkar was unveiled at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris. The inauguration ceremony was led by India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, in presence of UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, senior diplomats, and members of the Indian diaspora. The unveiling was held in the “Garden of Peace” at UNESCO, marking an international tribute to the man widely regarded as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
The bust, sculpted by artist Naresh Kumawat, places Dr. Ambedkar among global icons of justice and equality honoured at UNESCO — reinforcing his legacy as not only an Indian but a global champion of human rights and constitutional values.
In a statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the unveiling as “a matter of immense pride” and a “fitting tribute” to Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s constitutional framework. He emphasized that Ambedkar’s ideals continue to inspire millions around the world.
The event not only honoured Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions but also symbolised India’s effort to project its foundational democratic values, rooted in justice, equality, liberty and fraternity, at an international forum. The ceremony reinforced global recognition of India’s constitutional heritage and the timeless relevance of Ambedkar’s vision.
Why This News Is Important
This event matters greatly for aspirants of banking, railways, civil services (like PSCs, IAS), defence, teaching, and police because it underlines the international visibility and respect for Indian constitutional values. The unveiling of Dr. Ambedkar’s bust at UNESCO — a premier global institution dedicated to education, human rights, and peace — underscores India’s commitment to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution: equality, social justice, human dignity, and secular democratic governance. Understanding such developments helps aspirants connect current affairs with the larger constitutional and diplomatic context — a recurring theme in exams.
Moreover, recognition of Ambedkar at UNESCO strengthens the narrative of social justice and constitutionalism, often relevant for syllabus topics like polity, governance, India and world affairs. It emphasises the global resonance of India’s constitutional quests and social reform movements — knowledge that is frequently tested in GS papers across exams.
Finally, the event reaffirms India’s soft-power diplomacy: by placing an Indian constitutional icon among global champions of human rights, it sends a message about the country’s values on the world stage. For civil service or diplomatic aspirants, it highlights the subtle interplay of culture, history, policy, and international representation.
Historical Context
Adoption of the Indian Constitution & Constitution Day
The Indian Constitution, adopted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly, came into effect on 26 January 1950. To honour this milestone, the Indian government declared 26 November as Constitution Day (since 2015), commemorating not only the adoption but reaffirming constitutional values among citizens.
Who Was Dr B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar — a jurist, economist, social reformer, and the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly — played a pivotal role in drafting India’s Constitution. He championed social justice, equality for marginalized communities, and framed the fundamental rights and provisions that guarantee justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all.
Over decades, to honour his legacy, several national monuments and statues — in India and abroad (e.g. United Nations headquarters in New York, various universities overseas) — were installed. This unveiling at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters marks the latest and significant addition.
International Recognition of Constitutional Values
With rising global discourse on human rights, equality, social justice and anti-discrimination, recognition of Dr. Ambedkar at UNESCO underscores that the ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution resonate beyond national borders. It reflects India’s aspiration to project its constitutional heritage and democratic ethos globally.
Key Takeaways from This News
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | On 26 November 2025, a bronze bust of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was unveiled at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, on Constitution Day. |
| 2 | The bust was sculpted by Naresh Kumawat and unveiled by India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, in presence of UNESCO Director-General and diplomats. |
| 3 | With this installation, Dr. Ambedkar becomes the first Indian leader after Mahatma Gandhi to be honoured at UNESCO’s Garden of Peace. |
| 4 | The unveiling has been termed a “fitting tribute” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting global recognition of Ambedkar’s role in framing India’s Constitution. |
| 5 | The event reflects India’s efforts to project its constitutional values — justice, equality, liberty, fraternity — and social reform legacy on the global stage. |
FAQs
Q1. Why was the bust of Dr. Ambedkar unveiled at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris?
On Constitution Day 2025, India chose to honour Dr. Ambedkar at UNESCO to globalise his legacy — recognising his contributions to constitutional democracy, social justice, equality and human rights — ideals aligned with UNESCO’s mission.
Q2. Who unveiled the bust and who was present at the ceremony?
The bust was unveiled by India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma. The ceremony was attended by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, senior diplomats, and members of the Indian diaspora.
Q3. Who sculpted the bust and where is it placed within UNESCO?
The bronze bust was crafted by artist Naresh Kumawat. It has been installed in the “Garden of Peace” at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Q4. What is the significance of Constitution Day in India?
26 November is observed as Constitution Day since 2015, commemorating the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. It is a day to honour constitutional values and the contributions of the framers, especially Dr. Ambedkar.
Q5. How does this event matter for exam aspirants (SSC, banking, railways, UPSC, etc.)?
The event underscores constitutional values, India’s diplomatic efforts and social justice legacy — themes relevant to general studies (GS), polity, history and international relations sections of exams. It helps aspirants contextualise current affairs with constitutional and global perspectives.
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