Lucknow, Apr 14 (Reporter) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the Foundation Day celebrations of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow, commemorating Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary. The event, held on the university campus, felicitated distinguished alumni for their exceptional contributions in business, entrepreneurship, and research. Addressing the gathering, the CM reflected on Baba Saheb's profound legacy, highlighting his famous assertion, 'From beginning to end, my identity should be as an Indian', which, he said, served as the foundation of his life and the guiding force behind the Indian Constitution. He urged students to move forward firmly toward building a self-reliant India. He said that Baba Saheb's life, marked by struggle, education and the pursuit of equality, continues to serve as an enduring source of inspiration. "Despite facing poverty and social discrimination in his early years, Dr Ambedkar rose through extraordinary perseverance to become the country’s first economist and the chief architect of India’s Constitution," he said. Yogi underlined how Baba Saheb's vision transformed India into a democratic power by granting equal voting rights to all citizens in 1952, an achievement that remains deeply relevant today. He said this was not merely a personal triumph but a historic step toward societal liberation. Reflecting on the Amrit Mahotsav of the Constitution, he called it a remarkable journey that reinforces the balance between rights and responsibilities. He said rights protection is only possible when duties are fulfilled with sincerity, a core principle enshrined in the Constitution. Citing the Upanishadic verse, 'Anu Bhadra: Kratavo Yantu Vishwatah' (Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions), the CM drew parallels with Baba Saheb's emphasis on education and holistic development aligned with Indian values. He recalled how Dr Ambedkar, through academic brilliance, earned multiple degrees including a BSc in Economics and gained expertise in several disciplines. "With the support of a scholarship from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad, he pursued higher studies abroad, laying the groundwork for a life dedicated to nation-building," he said. Speaking on India's ancient heritage, Yogi said that the country was once a global leader in knowledge, culture and prosperity. "However, due to a loss of self-respect and internal divisions, India became enslaved. We began to doubt our traditions and placed foreign ideologies above our own, which caused long-term damage to generations," he said. He said that social reformers like Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule overlooked the revolutionary educational efforts. "While we followed Macaulay’s education system, we ignored the rich wisdom of our sages and saints. This disconnect set us back in every field," he said. The CM also said that before 2014, India was grappling with an identity crisis and mistrust. "Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become the world’s fifth-largest economy," he said. He said that Baba Saheb's Panch Teerth Janmabhoomi (Mhow), Deeksha Bhoomi (Nagpur), Chaitya Bhoomi (Mumbai) and the memorial in England are giving new inspiration. He added that these places have been developed as memorials and hostels...////...