CUK holds webinar on Ambedkar’s anniversary

Ganderbal, Apr 14: To commemorate the 135th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, offices of OBC Cell, SC, ST PWD Cell, Department of Students Welfare (DSW) and NSS Unit of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) jointly organised a webinar on ‘Dr B R Ambedkar’s Ideology on Inclusive Society for National Development’ during which the Vice Chancellor, Prof A Ravinder Nath launched the ‘Earn While You Learn’ (EWL) scheme.

Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor, Prof A Ravinder Nath, described the scheme as a major tribute to B R Ambedkar’s vision of educational empowerment, and said, the EWL scheme offers students from Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups, a chance to afford their education through earnings from various university-based activities and also learn by involving them in academic and outreach works.

“This initiative also contributes to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Prof Nath said.

He said, “Ambedkar envisioned a society where development is not exclusive but empowering for every citizen. His idea of democracy—anchored in liberty, equality, and fraternity—must continue to guide our policies, institutions, and collective conscience.”

In his keynote address, Head of DDSS, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Prof Vijay Khare said that as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future, ensuring that the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity were not mere ideals, but concrete constitutional guarantees.

Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof Shahid Rasool said, “This webinar is a timely reflection on how Ambedkar’s ideology must move beyond ceremonial remembrance and become a lived practice.”

Guest speaker and chief editor of Rodad-e-Quam (a Gojri literary magazine) Shabir Ahmad Paswal, revisited Ambedkar’s thoughts on social justice, the annihilation of caste and the importance of universal access to education.

Dean of Students Welfare, Prof Irfan Aalam, highlighted the role of youth, particularly the students in carrying forward Ambedkar’s message.

Assistant Professor Department of Urdu, Altaf Hussain conducted the programme proceedings and Assistant Professor DCJ John Babu proposed the vote of thanks.