| Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Academy, organized seminar | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 9: The Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Academy Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with Tata Power under its Affirmative Action Programme, and with technical support from HOPE NGO, organized a one-day seminar titled "Strengthening Babasaheb Ambedkar's Vision in Modern India: Advancing Equity and Inclusion under Tata Power's Affirmative Action Programme" at the Roopnagar Headquarters of BDSA in Jammu on May 8, 2026. The seminar brought together academicians, representatives of higher educational institutions, research scholars, students, social activists, and members of civil society to deliberate upon the continuing relevance of B. R. Ambedkar's vision of social justice, constitutional morality, equality, and inclusive nation-building. Conceived as part of Tata Power's broader commitment towards affirmative action and community empowerment, the programme sought to encourage meaningful dialogue on the role of education, awareness, and institutional participation in building an equitable society. A major highlight of the event was the distribution of the prestigious 22-volume collection, "Writings and Speeches of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar," printed by the department of Higher and Technical education of Mahararashtra Government in the Government Press, to participating institutions for library use. The initiative was widely appreciated as an important step towards making the intellectual and constitutional legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar accessible to students, researchers, and future generations. The seminar also underscored the longstanding contribution of the Tata Group towards ethical industrialization and social transformation in India. Through sustained interventions in education, livelihood generation, healthcare, skill development, and community welfare, the Group has consistently worked towards the upliftment of marginalized and underrepresented sections of society. The keynote session featured distinguished speakers including Siddharth Singh, Chief - Corporate Affairs & Project Development, Tata Power; Pankaj Kumar Singh, Chief - Community Impact, Tata Power; and Shashi Rani Dev, Associate Professor at the Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi. The welcome address was delivered by Hemraj Phounsa. In their deliberations, the speakers emphasized the transformative role of education in realizing the vision of a casteless, inclusive, and developed India. They stressed that the ideals enshrined in the Constitution can only be meaningfully realized when social awareness, equal opportunity, and access to education are strengthened at the grassroots level. Delivering the Presidential Address, B. R. Kundal, retired Chief Secretary J&K State, President of BDSA-J&K, observed that the true realization of Ambedkar's vision lies in educating and empowering the masses through knowledge and social consciousness. Referring to Dr. Ambedkar's enduring belief in education as an instrument of emancipation, he stated that awareness of rights and constitutional values remains essential for building a just and progressive society.
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