Ambedkar dedicated himself to the quest for justice, says scholar

Among the most important features of B.R. Ambedkar’s personality is that he never sought revenge against anyone. Nor did he hold a grudge against those who discriminated against him or his community members or other communities. Instead, he dedicated himself to the quest for justice. This should never be forgotten, honorary fellow and founder-director, Parekh Institute of Indian Thought, Rajeev Bhargava said in Belagavi on Friday.

He was speaking at a national seminar on Reason, Rationality and Republic: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar organized by Rani Channamma University’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Study Chair, the Department of Social Work and the Social Welfare Department’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Center.

The event was held at KLE Society’s Dr. B.S. Jirage Auditorium.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Bhargava said that Dr. Ambedkar argued that discrimination within the caste system is not accidental but constructed.

“He believed that norms intertwined with moral principles are essential to dismantle this system and safeguard the sustainable well-being of society. It is in this context that I urge the current generation of youth to engage in active pursuit of knowledge and strive to expand their moral horizons without giving room to any form of discrimination. I also suggest that educational institutions must function strictly to facilitate this growth,” Prof. Bhargava said.

The New Delhi-based political scientist said that Dr. Ambedkar’s insights, moral principles and visions played a crucial role in shaping the public life of the nation.

“With profound clarity of thought, Dr. Ambedkar worked responsibly to bring education into the mainstreamm while striving to eliminate the social evil of caste discrimination,” he said.

Chief guest Sabir Ahmed Mulla, who is the Director of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Center of the Social Welfare Department, urged the State government to provide additional grants to universities in North Karnataka and formulate schemes beneficial for the holistic development of students.

Presiding over the event, Vice-Chancellor C.M. Tyagaraja said Dr. Ambedkar’s principles and ideologies are instrumental in fostering inner journey and critical thinking of all, especially the youth.

Prof Tyagaraja felt that it is mandatory for students to acquire skills and become self-reliant and capable. He remarked that students should surrender to philosophy and knowledge by embarking on inner journey rather than focusing solely on scoring marks.

The Vice-Chancellor asked students to become self-sufficient as the government is making all efforts to provide quality infrastructure.

Gajanana Naik anchored the program and Ashwini M. Jamuni delivered a vote of thanks.

J. Somashekhar of Mysore University’s Ambedkar Center, Registrar, Rani Channamma University, Santosh Kamagouda, Registrar (Evaluation) D.N. Patil, Finance Officer M.A. Sapna, Director of the Ambedkar Study Chair Ashok D’Souza, faculty members, research scholars, teaching and non-teaching staff and students and others were present.