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Empowerment and Enlightenment: Ambedkar's Legacy in Higher Education

Gedam Kamalakar

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International Journal of Political Science 12(1):p 29-36, Jan - June 2026. | DOI: 10.21088/ijops.2454.9371.12126.3

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Gedam Kamalakar. Empowerment and Enlightenment: Ambedkar's Legacy in Higher Education. Int J Pol Sci 2026; 12(1): 29–36

Timeline

Received : September 01, 2025         Accepted : October 05, 2025          Published : June 30, 2026

Abstract

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision for education was deeply rooted in the principles of social justice, equity, and empowerment. His advocacy for inclusive and accessible higher education played a pivotal role in shaping policies that uplift marginalized communities, particularly Dalits and other historically disadvantaged groups. This paper explores Ambedkar’s educational philosophy, emphasizing his belief in education as a tool for social mobility and empowerment. It examines the impact of his ideas on contemporary higher education policies in India, including affirmative action, reservations, and institutional frameworks that promote equitable access. Furthermore, the study highlights challenges that persist in achieving his vision, such as systemic discrimination, dropout rates among marginalized students, and gaps in policy implementation. By critically analyzing Ambedkar’s contributions and their relevance in the current higher education landscape, this paper aims to underscore the need for continued reforms to ensure a truly inclusive and enlightened academic environment. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was one of the architects of Indian Constitution. He was a well-known politician and an eminent jurist. Ambedkar’s efforts to eradicate the social evil like untouchability and caste restriction were remarkable. The leader, fought for the right of the dalits and other socially backward classes. He was appointed as the first Law Minister in the Cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru. He posthumously awarded th BharatRatna, India’s highest civilian honor in 1990. He was a scholar, jurist and a revolutionist. His contribution ranges from educational reforms made by the British Indian Government in the education system from before independence to the post-Independence era. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the


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Cite this article

Gedam Kamalakar. Empowerment and Enlightenment: Ambedkar's Legacy in Higher Education. Int J Pol Sci 2026; 12(1): 29–36


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



Received Accepted Published
September 01, 2025 October 05, 2025 June 30, 2026

DOI: 10.21088/ijops.2454.9371.12126.3

Keywords

Babasaheb Ambedkar & Ambedkar’s ThoughtsViews of Education & Higher Education

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Received September 01, 2025
Accepted October 05, 2025
Published June 30, 2026

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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



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