AMEDKAR MEMORIAL LECTURE 2019

The Ambedkar Memorial Lecture was held on 4^th December 2019 from 3:30pm at Xavier Hall. The program began on time with a prayer song by social work students. After which students of 1^st MSW performed a skit depicting Dr B R Ambedkar which highlighted the discrimination he had suffered and revolution he made, which set the tone for the evening. The PG Coordinator, Dr Alan Godfrey delivered the welcome address highlighting on the importance of Dr B R Ambedkar and the Constitution. The chief guest and speaker, Sr. Adv. Mr. Arvind Narrain was then introduced by a 1st BSW student.  Mr. Arvind Narrain who is an expert on LGBT rights spoke about the radical constitutionalism which he divided into two components. The transformative constitution and the idea of constitutional morality and fraternity. He discussed that constitutional transformation happens from personal experience and other capabilities. He spoke about the caste system in India and some of the provisions introduced in the constitution that prohibits the unwanted practices in society which created a break in the history of India. He also spoke regarding constitutional morality where he quoted that democracy in India is on soil which is undemocratic and there are no deep routes of it. He then highlighted on protecting the rights of minorities giving the example of LGBT and Sabarimala case. He concluded his speech by discussing the value of fraternity which brings society together and emphasised on taking Ambedkar’s research forward and reading his works. Following his talk, time was given for a quick interaction between the students and speaker, after which Dr Fr Augustine was called to speak a few words on the topic. Finally, Prof. Y J Rajendra gave the concluding remarks. The program then came to an end with the vote of thanks and refreshments.