India, April 14 -- The architect of the Indian Constitution. Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was today bestowed the nation's highest civilian honour of Bharat Ratna on his birth centenary.

The nation recalled the tremendous services to the country's freedom struggle rendered by Dr Ambedkar who, after Independence, shaped the Indian Constitution so as to meet the democratic aspirations of the people.

At a special investiture ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan Dr Ambedkar's 84-year-old widow. Dr Savita Ambedkar received the posthumous award from President R Venkataraman. She expressed her pleasure on receiving the honour bestowed by the nation on her husband "It is a great thing But I wonder why this was delayed", she later said.

Prime Minister V....