Three-day Ambedkar memorial event at YCMOU comes to an end

Nashik: Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) organised a national symposium on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's social and political thoughts between April 21 and 23 on its premises ot mark the leader's 125th birth anniversary. Dr Jabbar Patel, a nationally acclaimed filmmaker and director of a biopic on Dr Ambedkar, inaugurated the three-day event on April 21.
The three-day event had eight symposiums based on the different aspects of the personality of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Dalit scholar, Prof. Arjun Dangle chaired a symposium on ‘Present condition of Ambedkarite movement' which he called for a change in leadership for the revival of the movement. "Time has come to shift the leadership of the movement to the young and dynamic people who have a global vision," he said.
Prof Dr Aruna Pendse, who chaired a symposium on Dr Ambedkar and women rights movement, supported the present Right to pray agitation across the country. "If Dr Babasaheb would have been there today, he would have supported the activists fighting for their just rights," she said.
The YCMOU administration also distributed its annual literary and academic honours during this three-day event. Prof Dr Pandit Vidyasagar, vice-chancellor of Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, was honoured with Pnjabrao Deshmukh memorial award while noted Marathi author Vijay Jadhav was felicitated with Baburao Bagul Memorial award for his latest novel ‘Dakhla' (Evidence).
Senior journalist Uttam Kamble who chaired a discussion on ‘Dr Ambedkar and intolerance' called for intellectual acceptance of Dr Ambedkar's vision. "Instead of raising his statues and temples, followers should use Dr Ambedkar's wisdom to achieve social harmony, equality and sense of brotherhood on a national level," Kamble said.
Prof J F Patil , speaking at a symposium on Dr Ambedkar and agriculture of India, appealed for revival of old farming techniques. "Dr Ambedkar was the first leader who spoke for community farming and nationalisation of agriculture. His thoughts are more relevant today," said Prof Patil.
The three-day event concluded on Saturday evening with a discussion on Dr Ambedkar and nationalism. YCMOU had organised this national event to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar.