Mumbai, April 14 -- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday paid tributes to BR Ambedkar at Chaitya Bhoomi, Mumbai, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, calling it a "festival of self-respect for the entire nation" and praising Ambedkar's role in shaping India's constitutional and social framework.

Opening his address, Shinde said, "The soil turned to gold because of you, Bhim."

He said that Chaitya Bhoomi had witnessed a large gathering of followers and admirers, describing it as a "Bhim Sagar" assembled to honour Dr Ambedkar's legacy. He said, "Today, a Bhim Sagar has gathered at Chaitya Bhumi. My salutations to all of you. This sacred day is not just the birth anniversary of a great man, but a festival of self...