KISS-DU Hosts an Awareness Programme on “Mahad Satyagraha: Asia’s First Human Rights Movement”

The Dr. Ambedkar Chair at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University organised an awareness programme on “Mahad Satyagraha: Asia’s First Human Rights Movement” on 28^th February 2026 at Conference Hall-2 of the Administrative Building, KISS campus 3. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars and students with over 120 attendees.

Professor Chittaranjan Bhoi, Chair Professor of the Dr. Ambedkar Chair at KISS-DU delivered the introductory address. He highlighted the historic significance of the Mahad Satyagraha as a pioneering assertion of human dignity and equality, describing it as a watershed moment in Asia’s human rights history. He emphasised that the movement continues to inspire struggles for social justice and inclusion.

The chief speaker, Professor Brahmananda Satapathy, Professor Emeritus offered an in-depth analysis of the Mahad Satyagraha led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. He deliberated on Babasaheb’s resolute leadership against caste-based discrimination and untouchability and explained how the movement symbolised the fight for equal access to public resources and fundamental rights. Professor Satapathy underscored Ambedkar’s vision of constitutional democracy anchored in liberty, equality and fraternity asserting that political democracy must be complemented by social democracy for true nation-building. He also reflected on Ambedkar’s life, philosophy and lasting scholarly contributions to modern India.

In his remarks, Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar of KISS-DU asserted that the university and its Founder, Achyuta Samanta, have consistently upheld Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy by providing free education to marginalised children and promoting women’s empowerment. He stated that the institution’s mission reflects Ambedkar’s ideals of inclusive growth and social transformation.

PhD scholars –  Ms. Kaushlya Pattanaik, Mr. Mangal Munda, Mr. Gopal Hansdah, Mr. Laxman Dora and Mr. Enketeswar Kandagari presented their perspectives on various dimensions of the Mahad Satyagraha, highlighting its relevance in the contemporary context of social inequality and marginalisation.

Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, Dean, School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights, KISS-DU proposed the Vote of Thanks. The programme concluded on a thoughtful and inspiring note, reaffirming the enduring relevance of the Mahad Satyagraha as a milestone in the struggle for human rights and social justice.