Mumbai: The University of Mumbai (MU) on Thursday announced a series of initiatives to honour the legacy of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, including the establishment of the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chair, two hostels for students from backward classes, and a Competitive Exam Guidance Centre (CEGC). The announcements were made by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, during the Constitution Amrit Mahotsav celebration hosted at the university.

"The government will establish an Ambedkar Chair at the University of Mumbai, similar to those in other universities, to promote research on Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions and his vision for the nation," said Kumar. The new chair will be set up at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Research Centre, with dedicated faculty positions.

In addition, two hostels will be built on the Kalina campus to accommodate students from backward classes. Kumar also announced the establishment of a CEGC named after Mother Ramabai Ambedkar, aimed at assisting students from marginalised communities preparing for competitive exams.

Kumar described the Indian Constitution as a "living document" that citizens must read and understand. "The Constitution provides the framework for understanding our rights and duties and facilitates social, economic, and political progress in the country," he said.

He urged colleges affiliated with MU to organise similar programmes to educate students about the Constitution. He also appealed to students to take the lead in combating substance abuse as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Maharashtra's minister for Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Dada Patil, reflected on Dr Ambedkar's role in drafting the Constitution and addressed misconceptions regarding its amendments.

"The Constitution is not changed but amended when necessary. Significant amendments include the 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies and the 10% job reservation for economically disadvantaged students without caste-based reservations," he said.

He also highlighted Dr Ambedkar’s contributions to women's rights, stating, "We must all be eternally grateful for his role in granting women the equal right to vote."

University of Mumbai Vice Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni expressed gratitude to Kumar for announcing the new initiatives and confirmed that the university would soon submit a proposal for their implementation. "The university and its affiliated colleges will organise a variety of activities to celebrate the Constitution Amrit Mahotsav," he said.

Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Amit Yadav, hailed Dr Ambedkar’s contributions to social justice and equality. "This event is a reminder of the powerful role Mumbai University has played in India’s legal and social evolution. One of the finest leaders this university produced was Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, who not only earned his degree here but also taught, leaving behind a legacy of change," he said.

Reflecting on Dr Ambedkar’s connection to MU, Kumar said, "His journey from a student in this very institution to becoming the architect of our Constitution is a testament to his determination and vision for India. His work did not just provide a legal framework but envisioned a social and economic democracy that is still the guiding force behind the government’s policies." He emphasised that the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights but also highlights responsibilities.”

"We must recognise that while we focus on our rights, we must equally embrace our duties towards society. This balance is essential for the true realisation of the democracy Dr Ambedkar dreamed of," he added. Kumar also reiterated Dr Ambedkar’s belief that "political democracy is incomplete without social and economic democracy" and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling these ideals.