The Jinnah–Ambedkar Chair, in collaboration with the Center for South Asian Studies (CSAS), organized an intellectually rich lecture today on 17th Nov 2025, on the topic of “ Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Influence on Global Human Rights thoughts” at Jinnah-Ambedkar Chair, CSAS, the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
The session brought together students, scholars and faculty members to revisit the universal relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s thought in shaping contemporary understandings of equality and justice. Senior seasoned Supreme Court Advocate Mr. Hamood-ur-Rehman Awan was invited as the esteemed Resource Person and he delivered a deeply engaging and comprehensive lecture. Director, Director of the Center for South Asian Studies Ms. Naheed Goraya, Director Ambedkar Society for South Asia (ASSA) Mr. Shaheen Hassan, faculty members of CSAS and students were present in the lecture. The lecture was opened with the recitation of Quran.
In his address, Mr. Hamood-ur-Rehman explored the multidimensional legacy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, emphasizing how his ideas continue to influence global debates on human rights. He explained that Ambedkar’s intellectual journey was shaped by his extensive study of constitutional systems around the world and by his dedicated commitment to break up the years-long structures of caste-based discrimination. The speaker highlighted that Ambedkar saw caste oppression not merely as a social issue but as a profound moral and political challenge that undermined the foundations of democracy. By advocating liberty, equality and fraternity as the basic ingredient of an equitable and just society, Ambedkar laid the foundation for a human rights framework that is beyond borders.
Mr. Hamood-ur-Rehman discussed how Ambedkar’s emphasis on education, representation and economic empowerment remains crucial for marginalized communities today and continues to resonate within modern movements for dignity, social protection and equal opportunity. Following the lecture, an interactive and lively question-and-answer session took place. Students of South Asian Studies raised thoughtful and challenging questions regarding caste dynamics, minority rights, constitutional safeguards and the relevance of Ambedkar’s philosophy in the modern world. The speaker responded with clarity and depth, highlighting connections between Ambedkar’s historical struggle and ongoing human rights concerns across South Asia and beyond.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Naheed Goraya, Director of the Center for South Asian Studies. She expressed sincere gratitude to the speaker and to the participants for contributing to such an enriching academic session. In her concluding remarks, she emphasized that Dr. Ambedkar’s teachings remain essential for building an inclusive and just society. She noted that governments, educational institutions and the public must collectively adopt and implement his vision if we are to promote equality, human dignity and social harmony in a meaningful way.
