By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
In an era of global uncertainties, as nations across the planet strive for sustainable and equitable development, Dr BR Ambedkar’s economic ideas remain not only relevant but offer a credible framework for a new development paradigm, a top journalist said on Friday.
Rajesh Mahapatra, a former Editor of Press Trust of India (PTI) and Executive Editor of Hindustan Times, in the inaugural lecture of “Dr BR Ambedkar Friday Series: Dialogues on Equality” organised at the Doon University, said in an era marked by volatile markets, shifting geopolitical alliances, and widening wealth gaps Dr. Ambedkar’s economic philosophy offers a blueprint for resilience.
The lecture titled “Current Global Economic Uncertainties and the Relevance of Dr Ambedkar’s Economic Thought” was a compelling address that highlighted key themes in Ambedkar’s economic writings and how they could be leaned on to make a better sense in today’s times of economic uncertainties.
Addressing Global Fragility through an Ambedkarite Lens, Mahapatra argued that Ambedkar was not only a social reformer but a profound economist whose insights into monetary stability, state socialism, and labour welfare are more relevant today than ever.
A public policy analyst, Mahapatra stressed that although, most people relate to Ambedkar as a jurist, social reformer, and more popularly, the architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar was trained in economics.
His doctoral research at London School of Economics and Columbia University on currency management and provincial finance in colonial India respectively are instructive in addressing the economic uncertainties facing the world today. His belief that price stability and inflation should be the primary objective of a central bank and that states must get the resources they need to fulfil their developmental responsibilities is pertinent in the present Indian context.
Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s economic thought transcends his historical context. His strong advocacy of social justice, equitable development, and democratic governance is surely not lost in time, more so given the economic disparity and social upheavals that the world is faced with today, Mahapatra said.
Setting the context of the lecture series and the theme, Ambedkar Chair Professor Harsh Dobhal said there couldn’t be a more opportune time and platform like this to discuss Ambedkar’s relevance in the current context. Going forward, Doon University will be brining thought leaders to take the conversation forward.
The “Dr B R Ambedkar Friday Series: Dialogues on Equality” is designed to be a recurring forum for scholars, policymakers, and students to engage with contemporary issues through the lens of social justice.
Dean of School of Social Sciences, Prof R P Mamgain highlighted the relevance of Ambedkar’s economic thoughts to overcome the current economic uncertainties caused by rapidly changing geopolitical situation, technologies and resultant inequality. Ambedkar viewed the role of institutions, particularly public institutions and sound public policies in ensuring social and economic justice.