Campus Times |Lucknow

The four-day celebration of Ambedkar Jayanti and University Foundation Day concluded at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) on April 14 with a valedictory ceremony featuring a National Seminar on “Udhyamita se Samaveshi Vikas: Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar ki Drishti Main.”

The Chief Guest, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Baby Rani Maurya, emphasized education as the foundation of social change and urged society to reflect on realizing Babasaheb’s vision of justice and empowerment. Reiterating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s call to “Educate, Organize, and Agitate,” she stressed inclusive development through knowledge and innovation.

Education is tool for transformation

Guest of Honour and Minister of State Vijay Lakshmi Gautam described education as the most powerful tool for transformation and highlighted Ambedkar’s enduring contribution to India’s democratic framework and women’s rights.

Presiding over the programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal encouraged youth to imbibe Ambedkar’s ideals and become job creators through entrepreneurship. The keynote speaker, Shashank Kunwar, Founder Chairman of Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), outlined the organisation’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST youth through mentorship, financial awareness, and global exposure.

Tribute to BR. Ambedkar 

The ceremony began with a floral tribute and lamp lighting, followed by the university anthem and a formal welcome. A campus-wide ‘Bhim Walk’ saw enthusiastic participation from faculty, staff, and students, reaffirming their commitment to Ambedkar’s ideals. The Vice-Chancellor and dignitaries also inaugurated an electric vehicle charging point and ‘Navkalpana’, a Section 8 company.

Prize distribution

Winners of debate, essay, quiz, street play, rangoli, and other competitions held during the four-day event were felicitated with certificates and prize money. Cultural performances by university students and participants from the Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, added vibrancy to the celebration, alongside an exhibition of rural industries and traditional arts.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. K.L. Mahawar and was attended by deans, faculty members, research scholars, and students from across the university.