New Delhi, April 02: The Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Thursday, March 28, 2024, organised the 4th Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Annual Memorial Lecture at the Mir Anis Hall of the university. The lecture was delivered by Professor Vidhu Verma, Centre for Political Studies, School of Social Sciences, JNU, on “Renewing Liberal Democracy: Lessons from Ambedkar”. The programme was graced by Professor Kumar Suresh, Director (Planning and Development) and Head, Department of Educational Administration at the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, as Guest of Honour and was chaired by Prof Muslim Khan, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, JMI.
The program started with a solemn recitation of a Quran verse by Dr. Badre Afshan, CSSEIP, followed by introductory comments by Dr Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, CSSEIP, and welcome address by Prof Tanuja, Honorary Director, CSSEIP. The guests were felicitated and presented with saplings by the faculties of the Centre.
In her lecture, Prof Vidhu Verma spoke about the relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas in the current times, and how his opinions regarding liberal democracy continue to be true even now, more than two decades into the twenty-first century. She spoke about the challenges being faced by liberal democracy following the rise of neoliberalism, and highlighted that more than half a century ago, Dr. Ambedkar had acknowledged the drawbacks of liberal democracy.
Prof Verma also spoke about the unique challenges that liberal democracy faces in a country like India, especially with respect to caste, which Dr. Ambedkar always highlighted when speaking about democracy. She reminded the listeners that one should never lose sight of the value and importance of liberal democracy. She also pointed out that more than 75 years after India’s independence, Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for India has still not been fully realised, and there are still steps to be taken. The lecture was followed by an interactive Q&A session, with students and scholars thoughtfully raising important questions.
In his address following the lecture, Prof Kumar Suresh spoke about how Dr. Ambedkar’s work and his ideas have influenced his own worldview and highlighted the importance of continuing to study Dr. Ambedkar’s writings in one’s academic pursuits. Dr. Arvind Kumar delivered the vote of thanks on the behalf of the Centre.
The programme was attended by a large number of students, scholars, and academics from JMIand other institutions and universities and proved to be an enriching experience for all.
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