To commemorate the 200th Birth Anniversary of the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, the Dr. Ambedkar Chair, KISS Deemed to be University successfully organized a Distinguished Invited Talk on the topic “Mahatma Jyotirao Phule: The Radical Critique of Hierarchy and Hegemony” on 11th April 2026 at 4:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Hall, Administrative Building, Campus-3.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation, with a total of 118 faculty members and Ph.D. scholars in attendance reflecting the academic significance and relevance of the theme. The event commenced with the lighting of the lamp and offering of floral tributes to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule paying homage to his enduring legacy and invaluable contributions to social reform and justice.
Chair Professor, Dr. B.R Ambedkar Chair, Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, delivered the Welcome Address and introduced the esteemed speakers. He highlighted the importance of revisiting Phule’s ideas in contemporary times, especially in the context of social equality and resistance to entrenched hierarchies. He emphatically said how Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder of KISS and KIIT has been a living embodiment of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s ideals by translating his philosophy into meaningful action through the education and empowerment of underprivileged tribal children across the country. He further elaborated that Dr. Achyuta Samanta’s steadfast dedication to women’s empowerment is demonstrated by the fact that over 70 percent of the students and employees at KISS are women, positioning the institution as an outstanding model of inclusivity and transformative social development.
The invited speakers, Professor Nabaneeta Rath (Former Professor, Utkal University) and Professor Rabindra Garada (Professor of Sociology, Utkal University) were felicitated as a mark of respect and appreciation.
In her address, Professor Nabaneeta Rath provided a profound analysis of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s critique of caste-based hierarchies and social exclusion. She emphasized Phule’s pioneering role in advocating education for marginalized communities and women and his relentless efforts to dismantle oppressive social structures.
Professor Rabindra Garada, in his insightful lecture, elaborated on Phule’s intellectual legacy and his challenge to hegemonic systems of power. He highlighted how Phule’s thoughts remain deeply relevant in understanding contemporary social inequalities and in inspiring movements for social justice and democratic transformation. The lectures were followed by an engaging interactive session.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Subhendu Kumar Mohanty, Additional Director, Students Affairs, KISS-DU. He expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, participants and organizing team for their valuable contributions in making the event a grand success.
Overall, the event served as a significant academic platform to revisit and reflect upon the transformative ideas of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. It successfully fostered critical discourse on issues of hierarchy, hegemony and social justice, thereby fulfilling the objectives of the Dr. Ambedkar Chair.
