Ganderbal, April 14: Central University of Kashmir on Tuesday commemorated the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar with a special webinar titled “Ambedkar and the Question of Equality in India and Its Diasporic Contexts.” The lecture was part of an ongoing week-long series that began on April 9.
Vice Chancellor A. Ravinder Nath, in his presidential address, highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s extensive contributions toward uplifting underrepresented communities. He emphasized the need for inclusive reservation policies that prioritize first-generation learners and the most deprived sections. Drawing parallels with Buddhist philosophy, he linked the ideals of knowledge, ethics, and social welfare to the mission of a university.
The event featured addresses by Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, invited keynote speaker Prof. Vikrant Kishor of the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, faculty members, research scholars and students were present.
In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath said, “Dr. B R Ambedkar has made a really voluminous knowledge related to how to bring better life for the underrepresented and unrepresented people.
Keynote speaker Vikrant Kishor spoke on Ambedkar’s continued relevance in both national and global contexts. Referring to his documentary Resisting Casteism in Australia, he noted how expressions like “Jai Bhim” and Ambedkar’s statues worldwide symbolize dignity, identity, and resistance among marginalized communities. He also cautioned against limiting Ambedkar’s legacy to symbolic observances without meaningful engagement.
Dean of Students’ Welfare Jehirul Islam paid tribute to Ambedkar as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and urged the academic community to uphold his ideals of “educate, agitate and organize.”
The event was attended by senior faculty, administrators, research scholars, and students, reflecting continued academic engagement with Ambedkar’s vision of equality and social justice.