Ambedkar Jayanti celebrated at Utkal University

Bhubaneswar: The Centre for Ambedkar Studies observed 132nd Ambedkar Jayanti on Friday at the PG Council Hall, Utkal University.

On the occasion, a WB-OHEPEE sponsored national seminar on “Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on indigeneity and tribal rights in India” was organised. Prof Sabita Acharya, vice-chancellor of Utkal University was the chief guest.

Prof Acharya delivered the inaugural address of the seminar and said, “Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was architect of the constitution of India. He was a sociologist, anthropologist, economist, political scientist, social reformer and lawyer. He was first law minister of India. He was a true advocate of social development and social transformation.”

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She also highlighted some of Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions on the study of tribal problems and tribal development. His constitutional approach made it all inclusive developmental approach for the scheduled tribe. He drafted the 5th Schedule for the provisions of administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes and 6th Schedule for the provision of administration of tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram in the northeastern states. Besides that many articles and provision of commission were recommended for upliftment of the tribal in the country, she added.

Dr Rabindra Garada, director of Centre for Ambedkar Studies highlighted about “Ambedkar Perspective on Indignity and Tribal Rights in India”. The elements of indignity include territorial connection, distinctive institutions, historical continuity and self-identification of tribal in India. It is a special kind of ethnicity that explains about tribal’s primordial association with a place or region. It revolves around not only indigenous identity but also indigenous right.

Prof Rabindra Kumar Mohanty, Department of Sociology, Mizoram Central University argues that the unresolved debate on tribal identity and rights has been more controversial than having any clarity.

Prof Basant Kumar Mallik joined as guest of honour and said the trinitarian approach of liberty, equality and fraternity can resolve all social problems including that of tribe and caste groups in India.

About 200 hundred participants attended the seminar and vote of thanks was given by Dr. Jyotirmayee Tudu, assistant professor, Public Administration, Utkal University.