The 134th Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti was observed by the Dr. Ambedkar Chair (DAC) at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University (KISS-DU) Campus on 14th April 2024, Sponsored by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. This event was organized in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, KISS-DU.
The celebration commenced with the garlanding of the statue of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at KISS Campus – 1. Subsequently, a seminar series was organized by the Dr. Ambedkar Chair, where seven research scholars from various Schools of KISS-DU presented on the multifaceted personality of Dr. Ambedkar, aligning with the values of the Developed India Mission. The life and legacy of Dr. Ambedkar were discussed as pathways to national development. The seminar series began with the lighting of the lamp and
floral tributes to Dr. Ambedkar, attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Chair Professors, faculty, research scholars, and postgraduate students of KISS-DU.
Dr. Satyaki Paul, Assistant Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Chair, KISS-DU welcomed the attendees, followed by an introductory speech by Vice-Chancellor Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, marking the commencement of the seminar series. The event began with a poem in the Ho language honouring Dr. Ambedkar, setting the tone for subsequent presentations. Research scholars presented on various aspects of Dr. Ambedkar’s life and works, covering topics such as his role as India’s first Law Minister, his contributions to human rights
advocacy, and his feminist perspective.
The platform witnessed an overwhelming response from the student presenters including research scholars at the seminar series, who spoke along the lines of the vision, mission and works of the legend Dr. B.R Ambedkar. The students delivered presentations in their mother tongue (to name a few – Odia, Didayi, Ho, Mundari, Santali, in addition to English and Hindi) which is a shining example of one of the innovative initiatives of KISS-DU towards preserving, protecting and promoting indigenous languages. The seminar underscored the universal relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s message, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. Further, the spirit, confidence, content of the presentation, speaking skills and enthusiasm portrayed by the students reiterated how KISS-DU has been translating Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder’s 3E Philosophy – Educate; Enable; Empower into action. KISS-DU has established Dr. B. R Ambedkar Chair with the initiative to carry out actionbased research on the life, philosophy and works of Dr. B.R Ambedkar.
In conclusion, the seminar series served as a platform for critical dialogue, stimulating reflection on the enduring relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU in his deliberation, drew similarities between the objectives of establishment of KISS and the ideology of Dr. B.R Ambedkar. Dr. Routray added that some of the concepts like of equality, women empowerment, liberty and fraternity resonate with the institution’s vision and mission creating an ethos of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals “Leave No One Behind” and other SDGs as well. He also proposed a formal vote of thanks on the occasion.
