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Surrey Libraries to receive a gift
from the Indian Consulate-collected
works of Dr. Ambedkar –
April 14
In collaboration with the Surrey Libraries and the
local Ambedkarite organizations, plans have been
made to present gifts to the Surrey Libraries on
April 14, the birth anniversary day of Dr. Ambedkar,
Father of India’s Constitution.
At 2:30 PM, a special room naming ceremony honouring
Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy will be hosted at the City
Centre Library.
During the ceremony, special guest Mr. Ashok Das,
consul general of India based in Vancouver will
present a set of volumes of Dr. Ambedkar’s speeches
& writings to Surrey Libraries. In support of
Surrey Libraries’ Literacy for Life Campaign,
representatives of local organizations will also
make a financial contribution.
“Dr. Ambedkar fought hard to introduce fundamental
protections and guarantees of civil liberties for
individual citizens as he saw freedom, equality, and
fraternity as essential conditions for a good
life”. Furthermore, says Das, Dr. Ambedkar “stands
as a symbol of struggle for achieving social
justice.”
The Mayor of Surrey, Ms. Dianne Watts, also echoes
similar sentiments.
“This is an important occasion to note, because it
celebrates the birth and life of a selfless man, who
tirelessly devoted himself to promoting equality and
pursuing equal opportunities for others”, says
Mayor Watts.
Melanie Houlden, Chief Librarian for Surrey
Libraries adds. “ The Library is very pleased to be
the recipient of this gift. The values of the
Library are in alignment with the aims of this
group: respect for others and an appreciation for
diversity, and equal access to opportunities for
lifelong learning for everyone.”
Representatives of Ambedkarite organizations are
excited with the response they have received from
the community as well as from the Surrey Library
Board and staff.
“I am very pleased with the collaboration that is
developed between the grassroots organizations and
the Surrey Libraries and we are delighted to be a
partner in the Surrey Libraries Literacy for Life
Campaign”, said Jai Birdi, spokesperson for the
participating organizations.
“Dr. Ambedkar believed in education as a first and
foremost pillar for transforming and sustaining
democratic and just societies and we are hoping this
partnership will strengthen this very important
pillar”, says Birdi.
Celebrations will be at the City Centre Library, at
10350 University Drive, Surrey from 12 noon to 4:00
PM and will feature discussions, songs, and
exchanging of greetings
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