Report on the Seminar Series: "Ambedkar Thoughts"
Date: 02 August 2025 Time: 11:00 AM Venue: Lokuttara Leadership Academy, Mavelikara Supported by: Humanist Mutual Aid
Report Prepared by Arun
The first seminar in the "Ambedkar Thoughts" series was held on 2nd August 2025 at Lokuttara Leadership Academy, Mavelikara, with the support of Humanist Mutual Aid. The event introduced students to the academic and social contributions of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and reflected on the role of education in the struggle against social injustice.
The program began with a welcome address by Mr. Arun Boudh, Executive Director of Blossom Projects, who emphasised the importance of young leaders engaging with Ambedkar’s vision of equality and empowerment.
Other speakers included Dr. Aju Narayanan, Dr. S Ajay Shekhar, Sunny Kapikkadu, Dr. Shyam Kumar, Nagretna/ Mruduladevi.
Binoj Babu, a well-known social activist and speaker from Trivandrum, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the barriers Ambedkar faced in his pursuit of education and the continued relevance of his fight for dignity and access to learning.
In the morning session, Binoj Babu spoke about the importance of education and employment in Ambedkar’s life, urging students to see learning as a means for personal and social change.
The afternoon session focused on constitutional values — liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice — and how these are often missing in daily life, including in families, schools, and the media. He encouraged students to live by these ideals in practical, everyday ways.
He also shared ethical values rooted in Buddhist philosophy, such as Karuṇā (compassion), Muditā (sympathetic joy), Upekṣā (equanimity), Vīrya (energy), Śānti (peace), Prajñā (wisdom), and Jāgrata (awareness), encouraging students to apply these in their daily actions and relationships.
The interactive seminar allowed space for open discussion, and students shared how inspired they felt by the session. Many noted a renewed understanding of education as a powerful tool for justice and transformation.
As a gesture of support, Binoj Babu donated four books to the Blossom Library. Student leaders received the books on behalf of the hostel residents. We sincerely thank him for this meaningful contribution.
The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks and set a strong foundation for future seminars in the "Ambedkar Thoughts" series. The event was a motivating and meaningful experience for all involved.
