Ambedkar’s ideas have shaped Indias public life, says scholar Rajeev Bhargava

Belagavi: Renowned political scientist and thinker Rajeev Bhargava said that the ideas, moral principles and vision of BR Ambedkar played a crucial role in shaping India's public life. He noted that Ambedkar, through his clear and rational thinking, worked tirelessly to bring education into the mainstream and eradicate caste discrimination.He was speaking at the inaugural session of the 2-day national conference titled ‘Reason, Rationality and Republic: Dr BR Ambedkar', organised by Rani Channamma University through its Dr BR Ambedkar Study Chair, the department of social work and the Dr BR Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Centre of the social welfare department at the Dr BS Jirage Auditorium here on Friday.Delivering the keynote address, Bhargava said Ambedkar never sought revenge but devoted his life to the pursuit of justice. He pointed out that caste discrimination is not accidental but a deliberately constructed system. Ambedkar believed that social norms rooted in moral principles are essential to dismantle such discrimination and ensure the sustainable well-being of society, he added.Bhargava also urged the younger generation to actively pursue knowledge and broaden their moral horizons without giving space to any form of discrimination. He emphasised that educational institutions must create an environment that encourages such intellectual and ethical development.Chief guest Sabeer Ahmed Mulla, director of the Dr BR Ambedkar Training, Research and Extension Centre, said the govt should provide greater financial support to universities in North Karnataka and introduce schemes that contribute to the holistic development of students.Presiding over the programme, RCU VC CM Thyagaraja said that in the present era, students must acquire skills and become self-reliant. He noted that students should focus on the pursuit of knowledge and philosophical understanding rather than merely chasing marks, adding that Ambedkar's ideas inspire critical thinking and intellectual growth.Registrar Santosh Kamagouda, registrar (evaluation) DN Patil, finance officer MA Sapna, director of the Ambedkar Study Chair Prof Ashok D'Souza and J Somashekhar were present.