By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Rich tributes were paid to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, to mark Mahaparinirvan Diwas (death anniversary) at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chair Centre at Doon University on Saturday.
The university faculty, staff, research scholars, and students remembered him for laying the foundation of modern democratic India. Mahaparinirvan Diwas, a term rooted in Buddhist tradition signifying the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death, serves as a day to reflect on Dr. Ambedkar’s immense contributions to social justice, equality, and nation-building.
The event commenced with the offering of floral tributes to a portrait of Dr. Ambedkar by the Registrar Durgesh Dimri, faculty members, researchers and students and other dignitaries, setting a reverential tone for the day.
Professor Ashish Kumar, Chief Librarian at the university, delivered an insightful keynote address on Dr. Ambedkar’s Vision for an Equitable and Inclusive Society. He highlighted several lesser-known facts about the personality and work of Dr Ambedkar towards transformation of society. Professor Kumar touched upon various contributions of Dr Ambedkar, apart from crafting the constitution, such as labour reforms, economics, women’s rights etc.
Professor Harsh Dobhal, Dr Ambedkar Chair Professor, elaborated upon the mandate of Dr Ambekar Chair, He emphasized upon Dr. Ambedkar’s role in crafting a Constitution that champions fundamental rights, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
Professor H. C. Purohit, the Dean of the School of Management, elaborated on the concept of ‘Bodhisattva’ by relating it directly to the life, struggle, and mission of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. His explanation served as a powerful source of inspiration, urging scholars and students to emulate Dr. Ambedkar’s altruistic commitment.
The contributions of Dr. Achlesh Daverey, Dr. Chandrika Kumar, and Dr. Sudhanshu Joshi at event were particularly noteworthy because they brought diverse, often non-conventional, academic perspectives to Dr. Ambedkar’s life and philosophy.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Rajesh Bhatt, HoD of Department of Psychology. Dr Bhatt called upon the researchers and students to further participate in and contribute to academic and other outreach programmes organised by the centre.
Established with the support of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Government of India, the Chair at Doon University’s School of Social Sciences is dedicated to promoting evidence-based policy research, teaching, and extension activities. It focuses on the socio-cultural, economic, and political aspects of development and empowerment of marginalized sections, aiming to be a vibrant center for the study of Ambedkarite philosophy.
