The Maharashtra government is hoping to set the memorial up before year end, so that it is ready for a grand inauguration during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to London in November.
A house on King Henry road in London would be the last thing an owner would want to part with. But to make the three-storey bungalow where Dalit icon and architect of Indian Constitution, BR Ambedkar lived as a student in the 1920s, as their own, the Maharashtra government had to do some hard bargaining.
For Rs 35 crore, the state government became the first in India to own a property abroad.
Dr Ambedkar, lived in this house for nearly a year between 1921-22 as a student of the London School of Economics. He is known to have written several research papers in the house. Now, the government plans to convert this into a memorial dedicated to the Dalit icon.
Spread over 2500 square feet, the house is expected to become an attraction for followers of Dr Ambedkar, especially students, given that many owners in the area rent their homes to students who pursue higher education in institutions nearby.
The government of Maharashtra may take inspiration from museums such as the Anne Frank House in Netherlands to tell Dr Ambedkar's story and life history in a very moving way using innovative technology.
"I have been living in London for over 25 years and it makes me very proud of a decision such as this by a state government. I feel it is innovative and important." said Devender Patel, a businessman in London.
At the moment, nobody occupies the building. The broken pipes and shredded worn out walls indicate the massive repair work required. The local council would have to approve the plans once firmed up by the government.
This year being the 125th birth anniversary of the Indian Constitution's architect, the Maharashtra government is hoping to set the memorial up before year end, so that it is ready for a grand inauguration during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to London in November.