New Delhi, April 14 (IANS): Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday greeted people on the occasion of the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar.

Describing the architect of the Indian Constitution as a "great icon of modern India", Gandhi said: "Ambedkar accomplished for the nation, in a lifetime, progressive changes that take centuries to achieve."

"His greatness cannot be categorized to any one particular accomplishment, because his contributions pan across every sphere of national development," she added.

The Congress president said Ambedkar's faith in democracy, which he shared in common with other stalwarts of the freedom movement, is a proud legacy to the country.

"An undisputed champion of social justice and equality, Ambedkar was able to articulate powerful ideas. The Indian Constitution of which he was the principal author remains the best instrument for pursuing the national goals that we set for ourselves," she noted.