**Executive Summary**
On February 18, 2026, the Hon'ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, inaugurated a new Souvenir Shop at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC) in New Delhi. This initiative aims to promote cultural heritage, support creativity, and assist artisans by displaying and selling items inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's life and ideals. The event included a tribute at Dr. Ambedkar's statue and was attended by senior officers, scholars, staff, and invited guests.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Inauguration of Souvenir Shop:**
* The Souvenir Shop was inaugurated on February 18, 2026, at DAIC, New Delhi, by Dr. Virendra Kumar.
* The shop will display and sell souvenirs, books, handmade products, and other items inspired by Dr. Ambedkar.
* The initiative aims to promote cultural heritage, support creativity, and help artisans.
* **Respect to Dr. Ambedkar:**
* The program began with offering flowers at the 18-feet statue of Dr. Ambedkar, sculpted by Ram V. Sutar.
* The Hon'ble Minister offered flowers to the statue as a sign of respect.
* **Souvenir Shop Details:**
* The shop will include books about Dr. Ambedkar, gift items, handmade products, and other related materials.
* The Minister highlighted the importance of protecting and promoting India's artistic traditions, which create job opportunities and empower artisans.
* The Souvenir Shop is expected to attract visitors, researchers, and guests attending academic and cultural programs at the Centre.
* **Event Attendees:**
* The inauguration was attended by senior officers from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, officials from DANM, scholars, staff members, and invited guests.
* High tea was served after the event.
**Impact Analysis**
**Artisans**
* **Impact**: Increased opportunity to sell their handmade products and gain support for their creativity.
* **Action Required**: Prepare and supply items that reflect the life and ideas of Dr. Ambedkar for sale in the Souvenir Shop.
**Visitors, Researchers, and Guests of DAIC**
* **Impact**: Enhanced access to resources and merchandise related to Dr. Ambedkar's life, ideas, and legacy.
* **Action Required**: Visit the Souvenir Shop to learn about and purchase items related to Dr. Ambedkar.
**Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, DANM**
* **Impact**: Contributes to promoting cultural heritage, supporting creativity, and assisting artisans.
* **Action Required**: Continue to support and promote the Souvenir Shop and ensure its smooth operation.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: Central ministry responsible for the Souvenir Shop inauguration at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre.
Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi: Location of the Souvenir Shop inauguration, a centre dedicated to the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar.
Dr. Virendra Kumar: Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, who inaugurated the Souvenir Shop.
Souvenir Shop: The newly inaugurated shop at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre which aims to promote cultural heritage, support creativity, and sell items related to Dr. Ambedkar.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Inauguration of Souvenir Shop at Dr. Ambedkar
International Centre New Delhi
Posted On: 18 FEB 2026 4:31PM by PIB Delhi
The Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Dr. Virendra Kumar,
inaugurated the new Souvenir Shop at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi. This
initiative is an important step to promote cultural heritage, support creativity, and help artisans. The
Souvenir Shop has been set up to display and sell selected souvenirs, books, handmade products, and other
items inspired by the life and ideas of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. These items reflect his
message of social justice, equality, and constitutional values.The program started with offering flowers at the 18-feet statue of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar located in the
campus of the Centre. The statue was made by famous sculptor Ram V. Sutar. The Hon’ble Minister
offered flowers to the statue to show respect to Dr. Ambedkar and his ideas of equality, justice, and
education.
After the tribute, the Souvenir Shop was formally opened. The Minister visited the shop and saw the
different items displayed there. The shop includes books about Dr. Ambedkar, gift items, handmade
products, and other materials related to his life and work. This initiative will help spread awareness about
his thoughts and also support creative communities. In his interaction, the Hon'ble Minister said that it is
important to protect and promote India’s artistic traditions. He said such efforts create job opportunities for
artisans and help in inclusive development and empowerment. He also said that this Souvenir Shop will
attract visitors, researchers, and guests who come to the Centre for academic and cultural programs.
Senior officers from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and officials from Dr. Ambedkar
National Memorial (DANM) were present at the event. Scholars, staff members, and invited guests also
attended the program. At the end of the event, high tea was served. Guests interacted with each other and
appreciated the new Souvenir Shop. The program ended in a respectful and positive atmosphere.
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S.M / D.G
(Release ID: 2229642) Visitor Counter : 175
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