Three New Dr. Ambedkar Chairs Established to Promote Inclusive Research
The Secretary, Shri Amit Yadav, highlighted the role of universities as knowledge hubs capable of translating Ambedkarite thought into actionable policy and social reform.
- Country:
- India
In a major step toward strengthening academic engagement on the life, philosophy, and vision of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, organized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony on 15th October 2025 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi.
The MoUs formalize the establishment of three new Dr. Ambedkar Chairs at Mumbai University (Maharashtra), Jaipur National University (Rajasthan), and Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (Uttarakhand). These additions expand the national network of Dr. Ambedkar Chairs to 28 operational centers across India.
Promoting the Ideals of Dr. Ambedkar through Academia
The event was presided over by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, in the presence of Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Amit Yadav, senior ministry officials, representatives of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, and Vice Chancellors of the three universities.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Virendra Kumar lauded the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to institutionalize Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy of equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice through academic and policy-oriented programs. He emphasized that education and social awareness are the most effective tools for creating an equitable and inclusive society, adding that Dr. Ambedkar’s teachings remain deeply relevant in addressing modern challenges of social inequality, discrimination, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
The Minister stated, “Dr. Ambedkar envisioned education as the means of social transformation. Through these Chairs, we aim to promote not only research but also public understanding of constitutional values and inclusive governance.”
Academic Collaboration for Social Justice and Policy Research
The Secretary, Shri Amit Yadav, highlighted the role of universities as knowledge hubs capable of translating Ambedkarite thought into actionable policy and social reform. He noted that the establishment of these Chairs represents a collaborative academic framework, where research institutions and government agencies can jointly advance studies on constitutional law, social justice, economics, and human rights.
He added, “Multidisciplinary research inspired by Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas is vital to address today’s legal, economic, and social complexities. The partnership between the Foundation and universities will help deepen the understanding of his vision across generations.”
The Vice Chancellors of the three universities expressed their gratitude to the Ministry for entrusting them with the responsibility of establishing the new Chairs. They assured that the universities would create dedicated research and outreach programs, host national seminars and conferences, and publish academic journals and policy briefs centered on Dr. Ambedkar’s principles of equality and empowerment.
Expanding the Network of Dr. Ambedkar Chairs Nationwide
With these three new additions, the Dr. Ambedkar Chairs Scheme now encompasses 28 academic Chairs functioning in various universities across India. Each Chair serves as a center of excellence for research, teaching, and advocacy related to Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions in fields such as law, economics, political science, education, and social reform.
These Chairs conduct policy-oriented studies on issues such as affirmative action, gender equity, labor rights, access to education, and empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. They also play a vital role in promoting constitutional literacy among students, policymakers, and the general public.
The initiative has gained momentum under the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, which continuously works to expand its academic footprint through collaborations with higher education institutions, research organizations, and think tanks across the country.
Strengthening the Vision of “Education for Empowerment”
The Dr. Ambedkar Chairs have emerged as vital instruments for promoting the intellectual legacy of Dr. Ambedkar in academia. They provide an interdisciplinary platform that connects research, policy formulation, and social awareness, focusing on subjects such as:
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Social Inclusion and Equality Studies
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Constitutional Governance and Human Rights
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Dalit Studies and Social Reform Movements
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Economic Empowerment and Social Mobility
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Public Policy and Legal Frameworks for Equity
Each Chair is also expected to engage in community outreach, encouraging students to take up field-based research on marginalized communities, rural development, and constitutional awareness campaigns.
Ceremony Highlights and Institutional Commitments
During the ceremony, Dr. Virendra Kumar and Shri Amit Yadav jointly exchanged MoU documents with the Vice Chancellors of the three universities. Senior officials of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation outlined the operational framework and funding support that will enable each Chair to conduct independent research, organize workshops, and develop specialized curricula.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Director, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, who expressed gratitude to the Ministry, university representatives, and dignitaries for their cooperation. He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expand the reach of Ambedkarite thought, ensuring that India’s academic institutions become centers of excellence for research, policy development, and social empowerment.
Toward an Inclusive Knowledge Society
The establishment of the new Dr. Ambedkar Chairs represents a strategic step in fostering inclusive and knowledge-based development. By encouraging critical scholarship on Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy, the initiative seeks to equip the next generation of thinkers, policymakers, and social reformers with the intellectual tools to build a just and equitable society.
As Dr. Ambedkar once said, “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.” These Chairs aim to make that vision a living reality by linking education to empowerment, research to reform, and knowledge to nation-building.
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