Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur on December 21 to pay respects to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Speaking on the occasion, Shinde said, "This place is a source of inspiration... Baba Saheb's ideas have empowered Dalits, the exploited, and the oppressed, bringing them into the mainstream. I visit every year to draw energy and inspiration from this sacred site."