Vietnam: Baba Saheb Ambedkar Statues Find a New Home in the Buddhist Nation

Vietnam, a country known for its rich Buddhist heritage, has recently unveiled the first statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on 17th June. This monumental occasion marks the beginning of a remarkable project that will see a total of ten statues of Dr. Ambedkar being installed in university campuses across the country.

The initiative to install these statues is being led by the Vietnamese Buddhist Research Institute and it aims to honor the legacy and teachings of Dr. Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the revival of Buddhism in India. Vietnam, with its deep-rooted Buddhist traditions, is poised to become the country with the second-largest number of statues of Babasaheb after India.

The first statue, standing at an impressive height of 3 meters, was unveiled amidst great enthusiasm and reverence. This life-sized representation of Dr. Ambedkar symbolizes his towering influence and the impact of his ideas on social justice, equality, and human rights.

While the installation of the remaining nine statues is still underway, it is anticipated that they will be identical in size, serving as a fitting tribute to the indomitable spirit of Dr. Ambedkar. These statues will be placed in various university campuses across Vietnam, ensuring that his teachings reach the young minds of the nation.

Several small statues to be installed in monasteries

In addition to the ten university statues, smaller two-feet-tall statues of Dr. Ambedkar will be distributed and installed predominantly in Buddhist monasteries and universities throughout Vietnam. This move aims to foster a deeper understanding of Dr. Ambedkar's principles and ideals within the Buddhist community and beyond.

The driving force behind this ambitious endeavor is Vice Rector Mahathero Dr. Thich Nhat Tu of the Vietnam Buddhist Research Institute. Revered as a prominent Buddhist monk in Vietnam, Dr. Thich Nhat Tu views Dr. Ambedkar as a Bodhisattva and greatly admires his tireless efforts in furthering Buddhism's cause in India.

With over one million followers on Facebook, Dr. Thich Nhat Tu is actively spreading awareness about Dr. Ambedkar's profound impact and the significance of his teachings. He has pledged to make Dr. Ambedkar's Writing Materials (BAWS) accessible in the Vietnamese language, furthering the reach of his works among the people of Vietnam.

Notable contributions to the realization of the Dr. Ambedkar statues in Vietnam have also come from actors Gagan Malik and Babasaheb's grandson Bhimrao Yashwant Ambedkar. Their support and involvement have been instrumental in raising awareness and garnering resources for this noteworthy project.

3rd Largest Buddhist Nation

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian nation bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia, boasts a population of 96 million people, making it the fifteenth most populous country globally. The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, while Ho Chi Minh City stands as its largest city.

The installation of Dr. Ambedkar statues in Vietnam signifies the nation's strong connection to Buddhism, a faith deeply ingrained in its history. Vietnam ranks as the third-largest Buddhist country globally, with an estimated Buddhist population of around 737 million, representing approximately 75% of the country's populace.

Buddhism in Vietnam traces its roots back to the 3rd or 2nd century BCE when it arrived from the Indian subcontinent. Over the centuries, Buddhism has flourished in Vietnam, receiving patronage from Vietnamese kings and rulers. Vietnamese Buddhism embraces elements of Taoism, Chinese spirituality, and indigenous folk religions, creating a unique blend of spiritual practices.

While official statistics indicate that 16.4% of Vietnam's population identifies as Buddhist, many scholars and experts argue that this figure significantly underrepresents the actual Buddhist population. With estimates ranging from 75% to 85%, it is clear that Buddhism plays a central role in the lives of the Vietnamese people, shaping their cultural fabric and spiritual beliefs.

The installation of Dr. Ambedkar statues across Vietnam is not only a testament to his lasting legacy but also a profound gesture of reverence and appreciation from the Vietnamese Buddhist community. These statues will serve as powerful reminders of Dr. Ambedkar's teachings and his unwavering dedication to equality, justice, and compassion, inspiring generations to come.