AmbedkarCentre_ZHDC

Remembering Ramabai Ambedkar on her Birth Anniversary💙

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✨Greetings✨
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centre of the Zakir Husain Delhi College is happy to announce the commencement of its induction drive. If you're a person who's truly interested in knowing Dr. Ambedkar. If you're a person who's really concerned about the Indian society and the inequalities that characterizes it. If you're a person who's committed to the ideals of social justice, then this is the right place for you. Join us and become a part of this academic journey. Fill the Google form attached below and join the WhatsApp group through the link provided in the same.

Deadline - 20th December, 2023

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduEJQ3-XJxaF_2s1KfvyqX9T4ZyJ4sQWnOlyZi-VJ82oHULg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Whatsapp group link :
https://chat.whatsapp.com/E2W8wj01ZRZ4L7AAvCxvZn

JAI BHIM💙

The Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centre of the Zakir Husain Delhi College observed the Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Teachers and students from various departments paid their homage to Babasaheb. Prof. Kishore from the English department delivered a short lecture in remembrance of Ambedkar and his contribution towards social justice in India, in the small event held at science block.
Jai Bhim!💙

The preamble of our constitution gives confidence to millions of Indians to say “we the people of India" by treating all of them as equals and prohibiting all forms of inequalities on the basis of caste,class, religion, gender and race. And a large number of people in India give it more value than any religious text. We are living in a period where its relevance is increasing day by day, at the same time we witnessed the attempts from both the right and left of the political spectrum to contempt and demolish it. Therefore it's very essential to know more about the ideals of Ambedkar who was the architect of the Indian constitution and pioneer of democratic India. The new generation wants to read more about the ideals propagated by Ambedkar, for which he sacrificed his whole life. He was a great political thinker and philosopher who created a democratic India from a caste and brahmanical patriarchy centric society.

The Indian nationalist movement didn't address the issue of casteism. Ambedkar found it difficult to fight against two powerful enemies (British & Casteism) simultaneously. As there was no one to address the problems of untouchables; he himself went for it. Through his first thesis 'Caste in India', Ambedkar explained working of the caste mechanism, it's genesis and development in India. He established the idea that authority, high positions in a society and properties are something to which only savarna hindus have access that too by his birth in a certain caste and not by his skills. Ambedkar not only explained what is caste but also scientifically analysed it's working in each corner of our society.

Social democracy is only possible when there is political and economic democracy. Deliberate erosion of this social democracy is the reason for India's present social condition. New notion of democracy neither addresses nor annihilates the caste in India, despite it getting modernised and protected. In the post Independent India people from the upper caste use this concept of liberal democracy to maintain their hegemony in the political and social sphere.

The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centre of the Zakir Husain Delhi College conducted it's inauguration ceremony and orientation session for the new academic year on 24th November, 2023. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students accross various departments of the college. Centre's core member Shreyas V Kumar addressed the crowd and introduced the society and it's activities to the audience through a presentation. Convenor Dr. Manish Kumar presented his views on the dias followed by a speech by Prof. Harender Singh from the Department of Hindi, ZHDC. Prof. Narendra Singh, Principal ZHDC, addressed the crowd and administered the Constitution pledge*. Performances by Dhwanik, the music society and Aman, the theatre society of the college added charm and rigour to the event. Dr. Manohar Lal, member professor, gave the vote of thanks. The event was hosted by core members Kritika, Sahad, Naincy and Tasha. The programme served as a reminder of the importance and relevance of Babasaheb and his views in the present scenario of growing intolerance and prevalent caste and communal polarisation. It reiterated the need to combat them effectively. Together let us fight the social evils. Jai Bhim...!!!💙

*Educate. Agitate. Organize.* ✨️

The *Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centre* of Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi invites you to the *Orientation Session on 24th November, 2023*.

Programs to be organised are as follow:
Inaugural Ceremony
Orientation Session
Theatre Play
Special Lecture
Closing Ceremony

*Theme* : *Samvidhan Darshan*

Venue : Salman Ghani Hashmi Auditorium, Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi

Time: 11.00 am

Chief Guest: Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri (Former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh)

For more information, you may contact:

Kritika: 91015 67071
Meatreyeey: 9634884006

Birsa Munda, a valorous tribal leader also revered as "Dharti Aba '' or Father of the Earth,was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, present-day Jharkhand. His life unfolded as asymbol of resistance against British colonial oppression and the exploitation faced by tribalcommunities.Early in his life, Birsa experienced the typical hardships of poverty prevalent in the Munda community. Seeking education, he converted to Christianity and assumed the name BirsaDavid to attend a missionary school. However, he later renounced Christianity and founded
the Birsait faith in 1886-87, emphasising equality, justice, and the rejection of foreigninfluences. This faith served as a tool for preserving tribal identity and resisting culturalassimilation.Birsa Munda's leadership during the Munda Rebellion against British rule demonstrated hiscommitment to safeguarding the land and its people. This rebellion was a response to
oppressive British land policies, and Birsa emerged as a symbol of resistance, earning theendearing title "Dharti Aba" from his followers.In the 1890s, Birsa actively worked to abolish the feudal system imposed by the British. Thissystem allowed people from other regions to take over tribal land, leaving the indigenouspopulation without means of livelihood. He urged people not to pay rent and led attacks
against the outposts of feudal, missionary, and colonial authorities. Birsa's famous slogan, "Abua raj seter jana, maharani raj tundu jana" (Let the kingdom of thequeen be ended, and our kingdom will be established), posed a direct challenge to Britishrule.
Tragically, Birsa was captured by the British on March 3, 1900, from the Jamkopai forest inChakradharpur. He was imprisoned at the age of 25 and succumbed to captivity on June 9,1900.
His birth anniversary is also commemorated as "Tribals Pride Day" on 15 Nov every year tohonour his profound contributions to the freedom struggle and the fight for tribal rights. Birsa Munda's legacy endures as a beacon of resistance and a reminder of the ongoing strugglefor justice and equality.

"Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonised and united properly, then itbecomes a spiritual power"National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is celebrated on 31st Oct to commemorate thebirth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and to honour his paramount role in India'sindependence movement and in the integration of princely states into the newly independentIndian Union.
He was the first home minister of India after independence and is also known asthe " Iron Man Of India".His above enlightening words inspire millions and serve as a powerful reminder of the needfor unity and integration in a diverse and culturally rich nation like India.On this day, people across India engage in various activities and events to promote nationalintegration. They participate in the "Run for Unity," organizing runs and marathons to
celebrate the ideals of Sardar Patel and promote unity among the citizens. Schools andeducational institutions conduct special programs and discussions to educate students about
the importance of national unity.
This day provides an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the nation, upholding the unity,integrity and security of the country.Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, champion of social integration , brought his unique perspective tothe quest for national unity. Born into a marginalised community and having witnessed the
deep-seated divisions within Indian society, he recognized that social and political integrationmust go hand in hand.Ambedkar's struggle was not just about protecting the rights of the oppressed Dalits but alsoabout building a unified nation where every citizen enjoyed equal social, economic, and
political status.He presented the constitution as an instrument of national integration and amalgamatedevery element of the diverse population of a nation under one umbrella by taking care of therights of every community while drafting the constitution.While Patel and Ambedkar had distinct missions, their paths intersected in the pursuit of a
united and harmonious India. Patel's efforts focused on the geographical integration of thecountry, ensuring that the territorial bound
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International Poverty Eradication Day, observed on October 17, aims to foster understandingand dialogue between people living in poverty and the broader society. This day finds itsorigins in a call to action emerging from the 1987 International Summit of Nobel Laureateson Peace and Human Rights held in Paris.On December 22, 1992, the United Nations adopted Resolution 47/196, declaring October17 as International Poverty Eradication Day. This day encourages governments,
organizations, and individuals to take concrete steps towards eliminating poverty.In 2002, Kofi Annan, then UN Secretary-General, asserted that poverty constitutes a gravedenial of human rights, resulting in daily suffering and deprivation. It obstructs the exercise of
fundamental rights and freedoms that every person should enjoy without obstruction.Poverty is a universal phenomenon, but its root causes manifest differently depending on the
system within a society.In India, poverty has deep-rooted connections with the caste system. Historically, Dalits, regarded as untouchables, faced extreme socio-economic deprivation, perpetuating a cycleof poverty. According to estimates from the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), five out ofevery six multidimensionally poor individuals in India belong to Scheduled Castes (SC),Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Class (OBC) households. ST households havemore than 50% multidimensionally poor, followed by SC with 33.3%, and OBC with 27.2%.Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an epoch-making figure and an eminent economist, recognized thissystemic injustice and worked tirelessly to alleviate caste-based poverty. Throughout his life,he strove to bring about socio-economic equality in India.
Ambedkar stressed the importance of land reforms as a crucial step to uplift Dalits frompoverty. He advocated for land redistribution to the landless, particularly among Dalits.Additionally, he emphasized the significance of education and employment opportunities tobreak the chains of poverty.Ambedkar's work had a global impact, shedding light on theintersection of caste andpoverty.
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"I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu,"Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism, along with thousands of his companions, tookplace on a historic day – October 14, 1956. This momentous event, known as the "DhammaChakra Pravartan" or the "Mass Conversion to Buddhism," unfolded in Nagpur, Maharashtra,India.On this day, Dr. Ambedkar, donned in his iconic suit, arrived at the Deekshabhoomi, a sacredBuddhist stupa in Nagpur. Thousands of his followers, primarily Dalits, had gathered to witnessthis transformative occasion.Dr. Ambedkar delivered a profound speech, in which he articulated the principles and reasonsbehind their conversion.Ambedkar's speech emphasized the rejection of the oppressive caste system inherent inHinduism and the embrace of Buddhism as a liberating path to spiritual and social equality. Hefamously declared, "I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu," signifying his firm resolve tobreak free from the chains of caste-based discrimination. His followers, deeply inspired by his
words, pledged to follow him on this path of conversion.In addition to his mass conversion to Buddhism, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar introduced the concept of"Neo-Buddhism." This concept aimed to reinterpret Buddhism in the context of India,emphasizing social justice, human rights, and the eradication of caste discrimination as integralcomponents of the religion. It represented his vision for a casteless society, rooted in the
principles of Buddhism, and it continues to influence the social and political landscape of India.In a symbolic gesture, Dr. Ambedkar and his followers took the Panchasheel, the Five Precepts
of Buddhism, which included vows to abstain from harming living beings, stealing, s*xualmisconduct, lying, and intoxicants. This ritual marked their formal conversion to Buddhism and
signified their commitment to the principles of Buddhism, which advocated non-violence,compassion, and social equality.The Dhamma Chakra Pravartan was a watershed moment in the history of India. This massconversion movement inspired millions of Dalits to embrace Buddhism as a means to escapethe clutches of the caste system.
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“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women haveachieved.”As we celebrate the International Girl Child day on 11th October we are reminded of Dr. B.R
Ambedkar's above words that emphasised the pivotal role of women in the development ofsociety. Gender equality was the core tenet of Ambedkar's philosophy. He vehemently
opposed discrimination against girls and women in all forms. To him, a society that did notrespect and empower its women could never truly progress.
The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally on October 11th, draws attentionto the unique challenges faced by girls and champions their empowerment and humanrights. It emphasis the principles of justice, inclusion, economic growth, and environmentalsustainability, all of which hinge on ensuring the rights of women and girls worldwide. Thissignificant day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011,highlighting the global commitment to girls' well-being.India, in particular, confronts a multitude of challenges related to the girl child. Thesechallenges include female infanticide, foeticide, child marriage, and unequal access to
education. The country grapples with one of the highest rates of female foeticide globally,leading to disturbingly low s*x ratios in certain age groups. Despite a decline, child marriageremains a persistent issue, with millions of girls under 18 being married off each year.
Alarmingly, girls who are out of school face a disproportionately higher risk of early marriage.Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a visionary leader and an ardent feminist, made pioneering contributionsto shaping India's social and legal landscape.Ambedkar firmly believed in equal educational opportunities for all, irrespective of caste,creed, or gender. He championed the cause of girls' education as a fundamental right,advocating against gender-based discrimination in education.
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"Till the time we won’t be successful in politics and not able to have power in our hands, thesocial and economic transformation is not possible. Political power is the key to success."The vigour and enthusiasm expressed in the quoted line effectively characterize KanshiRam, also recognized as Manyavar, Bahujan Nayak, and Saheb. He was born into aScheduled Caste family within the Ramdasia community in Punjab and was the eldest of hiseight siblings.
It was during his tenure in Pune where he encountered the ideas of Babasaheb, whichgreatly influenced him.
He got involved in the Deena Bhan case, where his senior colleague Deena Bhan (also froma Scheduled Caste) protested against the removal of holidays for Ambedkar and BuddhaJayanti while restoring holidays for Tilak Jayanti and Diwali. He found this act to be casteistand protested against it, eventually leading to the revocation of Deena Bhan's suspensionand the restoration of the holidays. This incident impelled him to commit himself to a largergoal.Kanshi Ram dedicated himself to organizing and leading the Dalits towards emancipation.He stressed the importance of a culture of work and democratic methods of struggle. Healso broadened the circle of the Dalits by incorporating Other Backward Classes andMinorities into the movement. He vigorously criticized the post-Ambedkar Dalit leadership inIndia, often attributing its shortcomings to the aftermath of the Poona Pact, as extensivelydiscussed in his work "The Chamcha Age."In 1978, Kanshi Ram initiated his first organization, the All India Backward (SC, ST, OBC)and Minority Communities’ Employees’ Federation (BAMCEF). Later, in 1981, he foundedthe Dalit Shosh*t Samaj Sangharsh Samiti.The pivotal moment came on 14th April 1984 when he launched the BSP (Bahujan Samajparty), propelling him onto the national stage. He was not only a visionary leader but also amaster strategist and organizer.Under his leadership and later under his successor, Mayawati, the BSP achieved politicalprominence, eventuallycapturing power in the state of Uttar Pradesh.