Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 14: Actress and former beauty queen Celina Jaitly took a walk down memory lane on Ambedkar Jayanti, revisiting a powerful moment from her pageant journey that continues to resonate with pride and purpose.
In an emotional post shared on social media, Celina reflected on her winning answer at the Miss India Universe 2001 contest — a moment where she paid homage to Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Posting a video clip from the event, she expressed deep gratitude for her personal connection to Ambedkar’s legacy.
“#AmbedkarJayanti Remembering the legacy of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956),” she wrote in the caption. “My late fauji (military) parents unknowingly gifted me a legacy of love by choosing MHOW — Dr. Ambedkar’s birthplace — as their final home. Through them, I remain connected to the incredible journey of a man who transformed not only a nation but also inspired me deeply. Their resting place and his birthplace — a sacred link of purpose, courage, and hope. Jai Bhim.”
In the shared clip, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly is seen asking her the final question: “If you were born again, what would you want to be born as and why?”
Celina’s answer left a lasting impression:
“I would like to be born as a man whom I admire deeply — Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. You may wonder why, and it's because I respect his vast knowledge, his legal vision, his social reforms, and his role in abolishing the caste system in India. He authored the Indian Constitution — something I wish I had done. To be remembered forever like him would be the greatest honor. Thank you.”
Standing beside her during the segment was Malaika Arora, who appeared to be co-hosting the event.
Celina went on to win Femina Miss India 2001 and represented India at Miss Universe 2001, where she placed as the 4th runner-up — a proud moment for the nation.
Her tribute comes on the occasion of Dr. Ambedkar’s 135th birth anniversary, a day celebrated across India to honor the life and legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar — a visionary jurist, economist, and reformer who championed equality, justice, and human rights.