Wed Jan 07 13:56:06 UTC 2026: # Ambedkar’s Legacy Beyond Constitution Celebrated at New Institute in Hyderabad

The Story:
A new institute, BRiiDGE (B.R. Ambedkar International Institute for Dialogue on Governance and Equity), was inaugurated in Hyderabad on January 7, 2026, aiming to promote dialogue and research on the unexplored contributions of B.R. Ambedkar. Former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy highlighted Ambedkar’s extensive impact beyond the Constitution, encompassing economics, women’s rights, and social justice. The institute plans to engage with society, particularly the youth, and encourage higher education in prestigious institutions like the London School of Economics and Columbia University, both alma maters of Ambedkar.

Key Points:
* BRiiDGE was inaugurated at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) in Hyderabad.
* Former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy emphasized Ambedkar’s diverse contributions beyond the Constitution.
* BRAOU Vice-Chancellor Ghanta Chakrapani described BRiiDGE as an “ideological, intellectual and constitutional bridge.”
* The institute was conceived after discussions with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who allocated a ₹100-crore grant from the Scheduled Castes Sub Plan fund (yet to be released).
* BRiiDGE aims to achieve parallel engagement with society and insist on constitutional morality.
* Anupama Rao, professor at Columbia University, delivered an inaugural lecture on ‘Ambedkar in his time and ours.’
* The institute plans to encourage youth from disadvantaged sections to pursue higher education in institutes such as the London School of Economics (LSE) and Columbia University.

Critical Analysis:
The establishment of BRiiDGE reflects a growing emphasis on recognizing and promoting the multifaceted legacy of B.R. Ambedkar. The institute seeks to move beyond mere celebration and promote critical understanding and action-oriented policies based on Ambedkar’s ideas. The emphasis on engaging youth and promoting higher education at prestigious institutions suggests a strategic effort to empower disadvantaged sections and foster intellectual leadership.

Key Takeaways:
* There’s a renewed focus on exploring and implementing Ambedkar’s broader contributions beyond his role in drafting the Constitution.
* The establishment of BRiiDGE indicates a governmental commitment (at least in principle) to furthering Ambedkar’s ideals through research and education.
* The institute aims to foster dialogue, critical thinking, and action-oriented policies, especially among the youth.
* The comparison to the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC) in New Delhi suggests a desire for a more grassroots and youth-focused approach.
* The delay in the release of the allocated funds raises concerns about the timely implementation of the institute’s plans.

Impact Analysis:
The long-term impact of BRiiDGE hinges on its ability to effectively engage with society, conduct impactful research, and empower disadvantaged youth. If successful, the institute could contribute to a deeper understanding of Ambedkar’s legacy and promote policies that address social inequalities. However, the delay in funding poses a significant challenge to the institute’s ambitious goals. Whether BRiiDGE will make a substantial difference remains to be seen as its ability to operate is dependent on receiving the fund that has been promised.

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