Seminar “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar – the epitome of Equality,” organized by FABO
(THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT)- FABO, under the esteemed guidance of Lord Harries, a distinguished member of the House of Lords, has hosted Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Birthday Celebrations within the esteemed setting of the House of Lords. These annual gatherings serve as poignant tributes to the enduring legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, and FABO remains resolute in its commitment to preserving this cherished tradition.
This year’s seminar, titled “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar – the epitome of Equality,” was organized on Thursday, April 25th, garnered widespread acclaim from all participants. The event was graced by a distinguished panel of speakers, each offering invaluable insights and enriching the discourse with their diverse expertise and perspectives:
Dr. Alpa Shah, a distinguished Professor of Social Anthropology and Fellow of All Souls College, University of Oxford, presented her views through her critically acclaimed book “The Incarcerations,” shedding light on the Bhima Koregaon incident and the state of democracy in India.
Dr. Jesús F. Cháirez-Garza, an esteemed Lecturer in the History of Race & Ethnicity at the University of Manchester, provided valuable perspectives on racism, resistance, and social change, delving into the political thought of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar through his book “Rethinking Untouchability.”
Yashashwani Srinivas, a dedicated Doctoral Student and AHRC Awardee, emphasized the importance of countering caste discrimination and proposed initiatives such as UK government funding for caste-related research and the declaration of April as “Dalit History Month.” She underscored Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring legacy as an unyielding force of energy, transcending generations.
Prof. William Gould, from the esteemed Department of History at the University of Leeds, highlighted the relevance of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as a voice for millions, both in India and abroad.
Ms. Ritu Kochar, the founding president of the Ambedkar Society LSE, focused on caste inequalities in India and abroad.
Santosh Dass MBE, Chair of the Anti-Caste Discrimination Alliance (ACDA) and past President of FABO UK, delivered the inaugural speech, updating the audience with the initiatives of ACDA, followed by speeches from Ram Pal Rahi, President, and Pankaj Shamkunwar, General Secretary of FABO UK.
Arun Kumar, past General Secretary of FABO UK (2013-2023), shared updates on the various activities undertaken by Ambedkarite organizations in the UK including setting up of Dr Ambedkar societies in the universities around the world.
Monica Mendiratta, a distinguished chartered business psychologist, lauded Babasaheb’s contributions to women empowerment and education, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning.
The collective expertise and perspectives shared by esteemed speakers greatly enriched the seminar, rendering it a truly enlightening and thought-provoking event.
The unanimous acknowledgment of the seminar’s significance and impact underscores Lord Harries’s pivotal role in enhancing the discourse, thereby contributing to the resounding success of the event. His steadfast commitment to the ideals espoused by Dr. Ambedkar resonated deeply with both speakers and attendees, further solidifying the event’s significance
– Pankaj Shamkunwar
General Secretary
Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK
M:+44 7466 661855
E: pshamkuwar@gmail.com
