Rajeev Bhargava Emphasizes Ambedkar's Enduring Impact on India's Public Sphere
In a significant address at a national conference in Belagavi, renowned political scientist and thinker Rajeev Bhargava underscored the profound influence of BR Ambedkar's ideas, moral principles, and vision on shaping India's public life. Bhargava highlighted that Ambedkar's clear and rational thinking was instrumental in mainstreaming education and relentlessly combating caste discrimination, efforts that continue to resonate in contemporary society.
Keynote Address at National Conference on Ambedkar
The inaugural session of the two-day national conference, titled 'Reason, Rationality and Republic: Dr BR Ambedkar', was held at the Dr BS Jirage Auditorium in Belagavi on Friday. Organized by Rani Channamma University through its Dr BR Ambedkar Study Chair, the department of social work, and the Dr BR Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Centre of the social welfare department, the event brought together scholars and officials to reflect on Ambedkar's legacy.
Delivering the keynote address, Bhargava articulated that Ambedkar's life was dedicated not to revenge but to the unwavering pursuit of justice. He pointed out that caste discrimination is not a random occurrence but a deliberately constructed system designed to perpetuate inequality. According to Bhargava, Ambedkar firmly believed that establishing social norms grounded in strong moral principles is essential to dismantle such discriminatory structures and ensure the sustainable well-being and progress of society.
Call to Action for Younger Generation and Educational Institutions
Bhargava issued a compelling appeal to the younger generation, urging them to actively pursue knowledge and expand their moral horizons while rejecting all forms of discrimination. He emphasized that educational institutions must foster environments that encourage intellectual curiosity and ethical development, enabling students to engage in critical thinking and philosophical understanding beyond mere academic scores.
Government Support and Holistic Student Development
Chief guest Sabeer Ahmed Mulla, director of the Dr BR Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Centre, advocated for increased financial support from the government to universities in North Karnataka. He called for the introduction of schemes aimed at the holistic development of students, ensuring they receive comprehensive education and skill-building opportunities.
University Leadership on Ambedkar's Inspirational Ideas
Presiding over the programme, Rani Channamma University Vice-Chancellor CM Thyagaraja stressed the importance of students acquiring practical skills and becoming self-reliant in the modern era. He noted that Ambedkar's ideas serve as a powerful inspiration for critical thinking and intellectual growth, encouraging students to focus on the pursuit of knowledge rather than merely chasing marks. Thyagaraja's remarks reinforced the conference's theme of integrating reason and rationality into educational practices.
The event was attended by key university officials, including Registrar Santosh Kamagouda, Registrar (Evaluation) DN Patil, Finance Officer MA Sapna, Director of the Ambedkar Study Chair Prof Ashok D'Souza, and J Somashekhar, highlighting the institutional commitment to advancing Ambedkar's principles through academic discourse and community engagement.
