CENTRE FOR AMBEDKAR STUDIES

The Centre for Ambedkar Studies was established at Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya in the academic session 2006-7, the year of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the University, with Prof. Urbashi Barat, Head, Department of Post-Graduate Studies & Research in English, as Director, and Prof. B. K. Sahoo, Head, Department of Adult/ Continuing Education & Extension Work as Joint Director. It was sanctioned by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, in July 2006 as one of its Centres for the Study of Epoch-Making Thinkers of India.

Aims and Objectives

The Centre for Ambedkar Studies at Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya has a double purpose: to re-examine the life, works and thought of Babasaheb Ambedkar, and from that perspective to study, document, and help to ameliorate the condition of the deprived and depressed sections of Indian society. It will therefore have the following aims and objectives:

· A critical analysis and re-evaluation of the contemporary relevance of Ambedkar’s vision of socio-political relationships in India, particularly in comparison to the ideas of Gandhi.

· Re-evaluation of the concept of society, the nation and the Indian Constitution, in the light of recent social and political developments.

· The application of Ambedkar’s ideas in the empowerment of women, in education, and in personality development courses.

· The study of tribal and Dalit literature, both oral and written, and a comparison with the literature of the indigenous peoples of Australia (the Aboriginals) and Canada (the “First Nation”) and Black African writing in English, with special reference to Ambedkar’s own writings.

· Re-examination and in-depth study of Ambedkar’s writings, particularly from the point of view of his contribution to Indian writing in English.

Programmes and Activities

The Centre conducted a national conference on “Ambedkar and the Nation” on March 28 and 29, 2007, which was widely attended. The Chief Guest, who delivered the keynote address, was Prof. Gopal Guru of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. More than 20 papers were presented. An anthology of selected papers is being prepared for publication.

Future plans

· The Centre is attempting to set up a library for teachers, students and staff of the University as well as for scholars and other readers, so that more and more people become acquainted with the thoughts of Ambedkar

· It is preparing modules of short-term courses in Ambedkar’s ideas for the orientation of all University staff and students. These will be aimed not only at familiarizing staff and students with Ambedkar’s vision but also at sensitizing them to social injustice and the need for affirmative action in the cause of social equality.

· It will be conducting bridge courses in English and Yoga for students from the depressed classes of society.

· It will provide special coaching facilities for disadvantaged students preparing for admission to professional courses and the Civil Services during the summer vacations.

· The Centre will provide teaching support to University Teaching Departments by introducing, or reinforcing, the ideas and writings of Ambedkar in existing courses or Papers in the Departments of Hindi, English, Political Science, Sociology and Social Work, Philosophy, History, Education and Management.

Research activities

Research has already commenced on the following areas:

· The contemporary relevance of Ambedkar’s thoughts about (a) equality of condition before equality of opportunity; and (b) empowerment of women.

· Examination of contemporary interpretations of Ambedkar and the disadvantaged classes, particularly the Scheduled Classes and Tribes, in political and social commentary as well as in literary, dramatic and cinematic representations.

· Ambedkar’s vision in the formation of the nation, and the notion of the nation.

· Comparison of women’s life writing of Indian Dalits, Australian Aboriginals, Canadian “First Nation”, and African Americans.