A Centre funded Chair on Dr. Ambedkar proposed to be instituted in IKGPTU

IKGPTU hosted 6th National Seminar on “Economic Development-Dr. Ambedkar Vision
Jalandhar, October 21, 2016: To commemorate the celebration of 125th birthday of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr.B.R Ambedkar, I.K.Gujral Punjab Technical University hosted National Seminar on the topic “Economic Development-Dr.Ambedkar Vision” on 21 October 2016 at its main campus. This is the 6th seminar in the series of various events which are being organised by a special committee of Punjab Government constituted under the leadership of S.Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab. The renowned thinkers and intellectuals from all over India participated in this event to venerate and share the vision and teachings of Baba Saheb.

Sh. Arjun Singh Meghwal, Minister of State for Finance of Corporate Affairs was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He started his address by interacting with students about life and philosophy of BabaSaheb. He said Babasaheb ji was the one who framed the Indian Constitution and included the concepts of right to vote and gender equality.

Sh. Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment was the special guest of occasion. He shared that the achievements of BabaSaheb shall remain unsurpassed. Bhakra Dam has been his vision turned into reality. On the request of organizing committee, Sh. Sampla announced that Central Government will establish and fund Dr. Ambedkar Chair on the submission of proposal by IKGPTU.

The Keynote address on the seminar was delivered by Hon'rable Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Punjab Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal. Dr. Atwal shared about the Economic vision of Dr Ambedkar. He focused on his book " The Problem of Rupee: its Origin and its Solution." He also touched the notable topics of Babasaheb like Gold exchange standards, exchange rates stability, land revenue, taxation system etc.

Earlier, the program was inaugurated with the floral welcome of dignitaries around dais. He expressed his gratefulness to all the worthy guests for gracing this auspicious occasion. In his welcome address, Dr. N.P.Singh, Dean P&D IKGPTU, appreciated the efforts of Punjab Government in the direction of organizing such series of insightful events. “The inception and growth of our University is closely entwined with the saga of rebuilding of Modern India. It was the vision of Sh. Babashaheb to see our Nation as an economically resurgent country and he looked on education as a means to achieve this,” further added Dr. N.P. Singh.

Addressing the audience, S. Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, Ex MLA & Co-Coordinator of Punjab Government Committee related to this event, emphasized the significance of organizing such insightful seminar to memorize and share the commendable work of BabaSaheb.

Sh. Rajesh Bagha, Chairman, Punjab SC/ST Commission outlined the importance and purpose of arranging such events. He stated that we are fortunate that our State is celebrating 125th birth anniversary of Babasaheb. This is the need of the day and younger generation must be acquainted with the noble work of Ambedkar ji.

Sharing the vision of BabaSaheb, Sh. Som Parkash, MLA Phagwara said that the teachings of BabaSaheb are indeed the need of the day to bring transformation in our lives. He further added that BabaSaheb is the first and only Indian student of Columbia University whose statue is raised at the university campus with the inscription “Symbol of Knowledge”.

Amomg notable speakers in the technical deliberations were Sh. R. B Burman, Chairman, National Statistical Commission, Justice C. L. Thool, Chairman SC-ST Commission, Maharashtra, Sh. P. Udaya Kumar, Director, NSIC New Delhi, Dr. Sarabjit Singh, Assistant Professor Panjab University, Chandigarh and Sh. M. T. Wakode, Director KVIC, Maharashtra. Des Raj Kali a renowned writer was the moderator of the technical session. Sh. Lahori Ram Bali, who was close to Dr. Ambedkar ji was the special invitee on the occasion.