New York / Chandigarh: In a moment of pride for India’s bureaucracy, senior IAS officer Raja Sekhar Vundru delivered a compelling keynote address at the United Nations Headquarters, presenting a powerful interpretation of B. R. Ambedkar’s global vision.
The address was delivered on April 14 as part of celebrations marking the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar, organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.
Focus on Constitutional Morality and Multilateralism
The event was themed “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Vision of Constitutional Morality and its Relevance for Multilateralism.”
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During his address, Raja Sekhar Vundru emphasized how Article 51 of the Indian Constitution reflects India’s commitment to:
- International peace and security
- Respect for international law
- Peaceful resolution of disputes
He linked these principles directly with the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter (1945), highlighting India’s foundational commitment to global cooperation.
Ambedkar’s Vision in Global Context
Drawing from Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions, Vundru explained that multilateralism was embedded in India’s constitutional framework from the very beginning.
He noted that Ambedkar was deeply influenced by evolving global ideals, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and ensured that:
- Fundamental Rights were enforceable
- Constitutional morality became central to governance
- Democracy in India was rooted in accountability and legal safeguards
Quoting Ambedkar, he reminded the audience that “constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment… it has to be cultivated.”
India’s Representation at the UN Event
At the event, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, highlighted the relevance of Ambedkar’s ideas in contemporary global governance.
He pointed out the shared values between the Indian Constitution and the UN Charter, particularly in promoting justice, equality, and rule of law.
Who Is IAS Raja Sekhar Vundru?
Raja Sekhar Vundru is a senior IAS officer of the 1990 batch, Haryana cadre, currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Transport Department, Haryana.
Personal and Academic Profile
- Date of Birth: July 18, 1966
- Origin: Andhra Pradesh
- Education: Graduate, M.Phil., Ph.D. (National Law School of India University)
- Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu
- He is also a recipient of the Dr. Ambedkar Ratna Award.
Distinguished Administrative Career
Over a long and impactful career, Vundru has held several key positions, including:
- Additional Chief Secretary (Transport, Fisheries, Food & Civil Supplies)
- Managing Director, Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC)
- Joint Secretary in the Government of India (Agriculture & Pharmaceuticals)
- Deputy Director General at UIDAI
- Deputy Commissioner and other district-level roles
Scholar, Author, and Public Intellectual
Beyond administration, Vundru is widely recognized as an Ambedkar scholar and public intellectual.
He is the author of the book “Ambedkar, Gandhi and Patel: The Making of India’s Electoral System” (2018) and frequently writes and speaks on:
- Constitutional morality
- Social justice
- Democratic governance
His address at the United Nations further reinforces his stature as a thought leader bridging constitutional philosophy and global governance.
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