Report on the Ambedkar Lecture at APNA School

by Kumar Gaurav

APNA School organized a special two-session lecture on the life and vision of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, celebrating his enduring legacy as a social reformer, thinker, and architect of the Indian Constitution. The event saw an inspiring turnout of students, women, and community members, all coming together to reflect on Babasaheb’s message of education, equality, and empowerment.

The first session of the day was led by SNS Jigyasu, the director of APNA School, who addressed women and members of the APNA community. He spoke with depth and passion about Dr. Ambedkar’s lifelong struggle against caste discrimination and his efforts to build a just and inclusive India. Jigyasu emphasized how Ambedkar’s ideas continue to hold relevance in today’s world — especially at a time when society continues to grapple with inequality, prejudice, and marginalization.

He began by reminding the audience that Dr. Ambedkar’s journey was not just about personal success, but about collective upliftment. “Babasaheb gave India not only a Constitution but also a conscience,” Jigyasu said, urging everyone to look at Ambedkar’s message as a living guide rather than a chapter in history.

He drew attention to Ambedkar’s vision for gender equality and the central role women played in his social philosophy. Quoting Ambedkar’s own words — “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved” — Jigyasu highlighted that empowering women through education and self-respect was one of Ambedkar’s most revolutionary ideas.

Many women attending the session shared how they felt encouraged to pursue further education for themselves and their children. The discussion opened up space for women to speak about everyday forms of discrimination they continue to face, and how Ambedkar’s principles offer both hope and direction for change.

Jigyasu concluded the session by reminding the audience that Ambedkar’s life teaches one fundamental truth: progress begins with education. “He taught us that knowledge is the greatest tool of social transformation,” he said. “If we want an equal India, we must first build an educated India.”

The second session was conducted by Kumar Gaurav, who spoke directly to the children of APNA School in an engaging and interactive way. His talk, titled “The Ambedkar Lecture”, brought Dr. Ambedkar’s story alive through the eyes of young learners.

Kumar began by asking the children simple questions — “How many of you love coming to school?” and “What if you weren’t allowed to enter your classroom?” — setting the stage for a deeper reflection on the privilege of education. Through this interactive storytelling, he transported the children to a time when schools were closed to children of certain castes, and learning was a distant dream for many.

He narrated the moving story of young Bhimrao, who despite facing humiliation, thirst, and exclusion in school, never gave up on his education. “Imagine being told to sit in a corner, away from your classmates, just because of your caste,” Kumar told the children, “and yet deciding to study harder than everyone else.” His storytelling left many students visibly moved — some even responding aloud, saying it was unfair and wrong.

From there, Kumar connected Ambedkar’s personal struggle to his larger mission — to use education as a weapon against injustice. He introduced the children to Ambedkar’s famous slogan: “Educate, Agitate, Organize.” He explained that “educate” means learning to understand the world, “agitate” means raising your voice when something is wrong, and “organize” means coming together to make change happen.

Kumar encouraged the students to see Ambedkar not as a distant historical figure but as a living inspiration. “The boy who was once denied water in school grew up to write the Indian Constitution,” he said. “That is the power of education and determination.”

To make the lesson memorable, he invited the children to “roar like lions” — echoing Ambedkar’s words that “education is the milk of a lioness; whoever drinks it can roar like a lion.” The classroom filled with laughter and roaring voices, symbolizing the courage and confidence that education brings.

He ended his session by asking the children to make three promises — never to stop studying, to respect themselves and others, and to carry forward Babasaheb’s dream of an equal India. The students enthusiastically agreed, many raising their hands and saying “yes” in unison.

The day long programme concluded with a group reflection, where both the women and children shared what they had learned from the sessions. Several students expressed newfound admiration for Dr. Ambedkar, while some women said they were inspired to ensure that their daughters continue their education without interruption.

The Ambedkar Lecture at APNA School was more than a classroom event — it became a bridge connecting generations through shared values of equality, justice, and knowledge. It reminded everyone that Dr. Ambedkar’s mission is not yet complete; it continues wherever a child opens a book, wherever a woman finds her voice, and wherever a community decides that dignity belongs to all.

In the words of one participant, “We often remember Babasaheb on anniversaries, but today, we understood his dream — that education is not just about passing exams, it’s about freedom.”

Through both sessions, APNA School reaffirmed its commitment to creating an environment where the spirit of Ambedkar’s philosophy lives on — in the classroom, in the community, and in the everyday pursuit of equality.

Refreshment were provided to the participants.