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Pay tribute to the leader at the University of Pune in a unique way to celebrate his birthday today
Pia Chandavarkar

Pune, April 13: He spent his whole life learning, soaking in knowledge to empower his community. Today, revolutionary Dalit leader Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s inspiring message of shika, sanghatit vha, aani sangharsha kara (get educated, unite and struggle) was lived out by some 150 students from the Pune University and colleges across the city. To mark Ambedkar Jayanti, which falls on Saturday, these students studied for 18 hours.

Early on Friday morning at 6 am, the University of Pune’s Jaykar Library saw some 150 students come together, to study at a stretch, barring a few short breaks, to finally shut their books only at midnight. The group, 30 of them girls, are students of courses like MA, MPSC and UPSC.

Right till the end, Ambedkar spent most of his time reading and expanding his knowledge, and dedicated his life to fight for the rights of the Dalits. For students today, there is no better role model than Babasaheb,”said Sachin Sonawane, president of the Dr Ambedkar Post-graduate Students’ Association (DAPSA), which had organised the programme.

The seeds of the idea were sown during an executive committee meeting of DAPSA a month ago. “We were discussing what would be a suitable way to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti, when we came up with this idea, and thought it would be an ideal tribute, since Ambedkar was essentially a student,” said DAPSA secretary Ajit Zodage.

And so the movement began. Volunteers and members of DAPSA went to canteens at the Pune University and colleges, motivating students to join the programme. “Posters were also put up at various places, and announcements were made during functions organised by DAPSA,” said Zodage. And the response has been encouraging.

“I have spent the whole day reading various gender-related issues throughout history and in social literature. It feels nice to be part of such a programme in honour of Ambedkar, whose life is so inspiring,” said M Com student Chaya Barve, who is studying a course in Women’s Studies at the University.

The students took short breaks every four hours, when they were provided with tea, fruits and snacks and a lunch break at 1 pm. “Other than that, we studied without stopping,” said Barve.

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