Dr. R.S. Kureel, distinguished agricultural scientist and Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar University of Social Sciences (BRAUSS), Indore, delivered the Ambedkar memorial lecture on 22nd April. This is the 13th such lecture being delivered as part of the annual lecture series held in honour of Dr. Ambedkar. The theme of the lecture was ‘Dr. Ambedkar: Ideology, thoughts and contributions in nation building.’
Prof. E. Haribabu, Vice-Chancellor chaired the function along with Dr. G. Nancharaiah, Dean, School of Economics. The function began with lighting the lamp and garlanding the portrait of Dr. Ambedkar. Dr. P H Naik, Joint Registrar-Reservations gave the welcome. The guest speaker was introduced to the audience by Dr. K.Y. Ratnam, Head, Centre for Ambedkar Studies.
Dr. Kureel is an eminent agricultural scientist who has held various important portfolios in the field of agriculture and policy making. He has implemented more than hundred research programmes in India and abroad and published 137 research papers on agriculture and policy making. He also held the post of director in the Ministry of Agriculture. His contributions in the field of agriculture sciences has been recognised by various reputed Institutions & Organizations and conferred 15 Awards for his innovative contribution to the nation. Dr. Kureel has also served as Vice-Chancellor of Narendra Dev University of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad (U.P.) from 2010-2013.
Dr. Kureel started his lecture recalling his first engagement with Ambedkar thoughts during his college days. He said that the hard working nature of Ambedkar inspired him during his entire research career. “Ambedkar worked restlessly for the society, to provide them security and dignity,” he said.
Outlining the most important aspects of Ambedkar’s ideology- Educate, Agitate and Organize-Dr. Kureel said that the thoughts of Ambedkar is an energy both enlightening and inspiring, and for those who take it up, the rest of their course takes place as if a flood water carries the untied floating mass to its destination.
The guest speaker said that the most important book we hold today, the Constitution of India, was drafted by Dr. Ambedkar. He also mentioned the most important contributions made by Dr. Ambedkar. This includes the establishment of Reserve Bank of India, Planning Commission, and various institutions to ensure equality and social justice.
Touching upon the present state of the country, he said that there are lot of social issues still awaiting solutions. “We have many universities and research centres. But there are only a few institutions to study the Social Issues. To solve the social issues in a scientific manner we need more social science universities,” Dr. Kureel said.
By Joyel K Pious, MA-Communication