HNLU Organises Online Lecture To Mark 135th Birth Anniversary Of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

The programme was attended by Prof. (Dr.) V. C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor, HNLU Raipur, who delivered the opening remarks; Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Registrar (I/c), HNLU Raipur, who delivered the welcome address; and Dr. Dipak Das, Chairperson, EOADC, HNLU Raipur, who introduced the Cell and outlined the objectives of the programme. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Aditi Narayani Paswan, Associate Professor at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

In the welcome address, Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava underlined the continuing relevance of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's contributions to social justice, constitutional democracy, and the development of an equal society. It was noted that Dr. Ambedkar's ideas continue to guide institutions in promoting inclusivity, dignity, and equity in academic spaces.

Dr. Dipak Das, speaking on behalf of the organising body, highlighted the role of the Equal Opportunity & Anti-Discrimination Cell in fostering an inclusive educational environment and preventing discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, religion, or disability. It was observed that Dr. Ambedkar's vision of social justice remains significant in addressing contemporary institutional and social challenges.

In the opening remarks, Prof. (Dr.) V. C. Vivekanandan emphasised that Ambedkar Jayanti should be viewed not merely as a ceremonial observance but as an opportunity for introspection. It was stated that political democracy must be supported by social democracy, and students and faculty were encouraged to uphold the values of responsibility, equality, and ethical commitment in both institutional and social contexts.

Delivering the keynote lecture on the contributions of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to women's rights and empowerment, Dr. Aditi Narayani Paswan reflected on Dr. Ambedkar's role as an early advocate of women's dignity, equality, and constitutional rights in India. The lecture highlighted his emphasis on women's education, representation, labour rights, maternity benefits, bodily autonomy, and equal participation in social, political, and economic spheres. Reference was also made to his role in advancing gender justice through constitutional provisions and the Hindu Code Bill, presenting his vision of social justice as continuing to hold relevance in contemporary India.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Aashutosh Kumar Aahire, Assistant Professor and Member, EOADC, HNLU Raipur, who expressed gratitude to the HNLU fraternity for their participation. The event witnessed participation from faculty members, staff, and students of the University.

Through the commemorative lecture, Hidayatullah National Law University reaffirmed its commitment to the constitutional values of equality, inclusion, and social justice, while paying tribute to the legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.