Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, through its Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Cell (EOADC), organized an online lecture on “Commemoration of 135th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar” on April 14, 2026. The program commenced with the laying of a wreath at the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar located in the Academic Block, followed by the online lecture from 10:30 am to 11:15 am.
The program featured the inaugural address by Prof. (Dr.) V. C. Vivekanandan, Honorable Vice Chancellor, HNLU Raipur; Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Registrar (in-charge), HNLU Raipur, delivered the welcome address; Dr. Deepak Das, Chairperson, EOADC, HNLU Raipur, introduced the Cell and explained the program’s objectives. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Aditi Narayani Paswan, Associate Professor, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
In his welcome address, Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava underscored the enduring relevance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to social justice, constitutional democracy, and the building of an egalitarian India. He said that Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals continue to inspire institutions to promote inclusiveness, dignity, and equality in academic life.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing body, Dr. Deepak Das highlighted the role of the Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Cell in promoting an inclusive educational environment and preventing discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, religion, or disability. He said that Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of social justice remains highly relevant for addressing contemporary social and institutional challenges.
In his inaugural address, Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan called upon the audience to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti not merely as a ceremonial event, but as a serious moment of introspection. He emphasized that political democracy must rest on the foundation of social democracy and urged students and faculty to carry forward Dr. Ambedkar’s mission through accountability, equality, and moral commitment in institutional and social life.
Delivering the keynote lecture on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s contribution to women’s rights and empowerment, Dr. Aditi Narayani Paswan offered profound and insightful reflections on Dr. Ambedkar as one of the earliest and most visionary proponents of women’s dignity, equality, and constitutional rights in India. She highlighted his emphasis on women’s education, representation, labor rights, maternity benefits, bodily autonomy, and equal participation in social, political, and economic life. She also discussed his pioneering role in advancing gender justice through constitutional provisions and the Hindu Code Bill, presenting Dr. Ambedkar as a transformative thinker whose vision of social justice remains central to contemporary India.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ashutosh Kumar Ahire, Assistant Professor, HNLU Raipur and Member of EOADC, who expressed his gratitude to the HNLU family for making the program meaningful and successful. The program saw enthusiastic participation from the teaching faculty, staff, and students of the University. Through this memorial lecture, HNLU reaffirmed its commitment to the constitutional ideals of equality, inclusion, and social justice and paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar for his extraordinary legacy.