KISS-DU Organizes Workshop on “Gender Justice and the Constitution: Lessons from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar”

The Dr. Ambedkar Chair, KISS Deemed to be University with the support of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, organized a workshop on “Gender Justice and the Constitution: Lessons from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar” on 20^th August 2026. The workshop brought together 175 Undergraduate, Postgraduate students, Ph.D. scholars and faculty members creating a vibrant academic forum for reflection on constitutional values, gender equality and social justice.

The workshop commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Chair Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Chair, KISS-DU who highlighted the relevance of constitutional morality, substantive equality, dignity and inclusion in advancing gender justice.

Professor Dhaneswar Sahoo, Former Professor of Philosophy, B.J.B. Autonomous College and an eminent scholar of the works of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar delivered the first session on “Constitutional Foundations of Gender Justice,”. The session focused on the constitutional guarantees of equality, liberty and dignity with reference to Articles 14, 15, 16, 21 and 39. It also emphasized constitutional safeguards against discrimination and the significance of constitutional morality in securing gender justice. Speaking in turn at the second session, Dr. Bhoi deliberated on “Gender Justice in Contemporary India – Ambedkarite Lessons and the Way Forward,”. The deliberation focused on the intersection of caste, tribe, class, and gender; discrimination; and the empowerment of marginalized women. It also highlighted constitutional literacy, substantive equality, education and public policy as vital instruments of social transformation.

Both sessions witnessed active participation and meaningful interaction with students, scholars and faculty members engaging in a lively question-and-answer session. The workshop successfully enhanced constitutional awareness and understanding of Ambedkar’s philosophy. It reinforced the idea that gender justice is not merely a social concern but a constitutional imperative rooted in equality, dignity, liberty and social justice.

The participation of 175 members of the academic community reflected the interest of young learners and researchers in issues of gender justice and constitutional democracy. The programme reaffirmed the commitment of the Dr. Ambedkar Chair, KISS-DU to promoting constitutional literacy, social justice, equality and inclusion in the spirit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks to each and every one who contributed to the success of the session, and gratitude was also expressed to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, for its support.