Hyderabad: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University announced that it would organise the BRAOU social empowerment fest from April 5 to April 14 to mark the birth anniversaries of key social reformers, culminating in Ambedkar Jayanti.
The announcement was made during a tribute event held on Sunday for Babu Jagjivan Ram at the university campus. Vice-Chancellor Ghanta Chakrapani and Registrar L. V. K. Reddy said the BRAOU social empowerment fest aims to highlight the contributions of leaders who advanced education and equality for marginalised communities.
They said the programme would begin with Jagjivan Ram’s birth anniversary and conclude with celebrations of B. R. Ambedkar. The university noted that figures such as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Jagjivan Ram, and Ambedkar played a central role in advancing social justice.
Officials said Phule initiated the social justice movement, while Ambedkar institutionalised these ideals through the Constitution. They added that education remained a key tool used by these leaders to promote dignity and empowerment among marginalised groups.
BRAOU social empowerment fest schedule and key events
The BRAOU social empowerment fest will include lectures, seminars, cultural programmes, and discussions spread across ten days. On April 6, a lecture on Jagjivan Ram’s role in modern India will be held. A three-day art camp on “Art for Social Justice” will begin on April 7.
A seminar on “Reservations – Democracy – Challenges” is scheduled for April 8. On April 9, the university will unveil a statue of Prof. G. Ram Reddy at the Founders’ Forum.
A national seminar on economic reforms and the Constitution will be held on April 10. B. Sudarshan Reddy will attend as chief guest. On April 11, a memorial lecture on Phule and a film screening will take place, followed by a book discussion.
The programme will continue with an Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on April 13. On April 14, the university will organise Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations, including a floral tribute and the launch of digital initiatives under BRAOU 2.0.
Senior officials including Yogita Rana and Devasena will attend. Alumni Jyothi Reddy will also participate and support fellowship distribution for Adivasi and transgender learners under the Samatha Fellowship scheme.