BABASAHEB BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY (A Central University) Vidya Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow

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1 BABASAHEB BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY (A Central University) Vidya Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow Dear Sir / Madam, Prof. R.C. Sobti Vice-Chancellor Patron-In-Chief Prof. Victor Babu Dean, SAS, BBAU, lucknow CO- Organizing Secretary Dr.B.B. Malik Department of Sociology, BBAU, lucknow It is a matter of immense pleasure for us to inform you that our University is organizing a two-day International Seminar on Understanding Dr. Ambedkar s Concept of Dhamma: Transforming Self and Society on 14 & 15 April We extend our cordial invitation to you to participate in the Seminar as an esteemed speaker and present a paper on any one of the sub-themes mentioned in the Concept Paper. It is an interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary seminar. We are enclosing herewith the concept paper; the sub-themes mentioned therein are only indicative. Your paper should be related to the broad theme of the Seminar. Kindly send your consent as soon as you receive this invitation and send your abstract by 15 March 2014 and the full-length paper by 05 April Needless to mention that besides hospitality by the Institution, we will bear travel expenses of the selected paper presenters only as per university rules. Remuneration will be also given. Kindly acknowledge on this ID: internationalseminarbbau2014@gmail.com & ripsbbau@gmail.com You are requested to confirm your participation; you may also request your colleagues to take part in the seminar. Joint Organising Secretary Mr. S M Basha Department of History, BBAU, lucknow Yours Sincerely Thanking you Organizing Secretary Dr. Ripu Sudan Singh Department of Political Science Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow Mob For further details please visit our University website:

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3 Concept Note of the Seminar The last and the most important book Dr. Ambedkar wrote in 1956 was Buddha and His Dhamma. The concept of Dhamma was central to the ideas of Dr. Ambedkar. It was a driving force throughout the movements he carried out in his lifetime. His concept of Dhamma was different from the concepts of Dharma and Religion. He made a very novel interpretation of Dhamma. It (Dhamma) is a principle of living a good and just life. It is one which sets you free from fear, superstition, hatred, and inferiority complex and so on and so forth. It makes you strong from within to deal with any situation without bending before any power. At the same time, Dhamma cannot be old or new. It is always fresh, lively, energetic, and full of hopes and aspirations, devoid of any depression and frustration, no sense of loss, feeling of enrichment, sense of relativity, feeling of love, affection and sex, closeness to nature, concern for self and others. It must generate inquisitiveness and longing for knowledge. It should inject deep desire for fighting ignorance and foolishness, not susceptible to petty ideas and many more things which bring goodness and welfare to human being. It is like an ever burning light which helps you locate your destination in this world. It shapes your desire for meaningful and positive results and consequences. Can a person be called religious or Dharmik if he/she is physically ill, mentally sick and spiritually unfulfilled. Dhamma brings dreams to your life and desires for the universe. At end, one feels contended but always upgrading and modifying, relevant, contemporary, futuristic, vibrant with overwhelming with ideas and actions, no sense of deprivation and fatigue and many more things which brings happiness to self and others. His concept of Dhamma raises the human being above religion and Dharma. It breaks the barrier of caste, creed, sex, region, religion, language and even geographical boundaries. It integrates humanity in one and establishes a relationship with flora and fauna in this universe. It promises to uphold the dignity of human being and accept the utility and relevance of everything. It centres on the human being and the universe. Dr. Ambedkar saw religion not as a means to spiritual salvation of individual souls, but as a social doctrine for establishing righteous relations between one human and the other. His philosophy of religion does not mean either theology or religion. Theology studies the nature, attributes and functions of God; religion deals with things divine. Theology and religion may be linked together; but they are not philosophies. When we talk of philosophy of religion, it is taken as a critical estimate of the existing religions in general, and in particular to evaluate the teachings and doctrines of each religion, whether it is Hinduism, Islam or Christianity, in relation to humans and society, because, a religion, ignoring the empirical needs of either man or of society, does not meet the expectations of an intellectual like Dr. Ambedkar. Thus, the present International Seminar intends to raise several questions regarding life, emancipation, freedom from old values and the real purpose of a religion. How did Dr. Ambedkar interpret religion; philosophical postulates of Hinduism; Hindu Scriptures; Hindu Symbolism; Fate of Reformers; Counter Revolution; Philosophic Defence of Counter Revolution; the Hindu Social Stratification, Caste and Conversion, etc. Last, but not the least, his adoption of Buddhism and its impact on the future development of Buddhism in India and abroad, Resurgence of Buddhism in its native land; viability of Buddhism; Islam, Christianity, etc, and its relevance in 21 st century, etc are few issues the Seminar would like to address.

4 Understanding Dr. Ambedkar s Concept of Dhamma: Transforming Self and Society Sub Theme: Theoretical Framework: Interpreting Dhamma, Dharma, Religion, Doctrine and Philosophy Dr. Ambedkar s concept of Dhamma Ambedkar and Buddhism Ambedkar and Hinduism Ambedkar and Islam Ambedkar and Christianity Dhamma as Emancipation Dhamma and Human Rights Dhamma and Women Dhamma and the concept of Kama Dhamma and Transformations: i. Individual ii. Social iii. Economic iv. Political Dhamma as Means and Ends Needless to say that many more topics could be formulated on the above theme. All novel themes will be welcome. However, every participant is expected to address the central theme of the Seminar. Note: Acceptance of Abstract depends on the novelty of themes. Abstracts of prospective participants will be scrutinised by an expert academic committee and acceptance or rejection will be informed latest by 20 March The date of the submission of abstracts will be 15 March, Candidates whose abstracts are accepted have to send their full paper latest by 5 April 2014.

5 Call for Papers The Seminar will invite academia, Research Scholars, activists and policy practitioners to present papers on the themes mentioned above. The paper will be scrutinized by a Committee of experts mainly on the basis of the following criteria: relevance of the subject from a broader and interdisciplinary perspective; ability to link the theme with present emerging global changes and trade. Abstract and Paper Submission Details Acceptance of Abstract (not more than 500 words) depends on the novelty of themes. Last date for submission of abstracts is 15 March Abstracts of participants will be scrutinised by an expert academic committee and acceptance or rejection will be informed latest by 20 March Only the authors of selected abstracts will be invited to present their papers in the seminar. Candidates whose abstracts are accepted have to send their full paper not later than 5 th April Authors are requested to send their abstracts and papers electronically (MS Word) through attachment in the following address: internationalseminarbbau2014@gmail.com and CC to ripsbbau@gmail.com Important Dates: Last date for Abstract: 15 th March, 2014 Confirmation of acceptance of abstracts: 20 th March, 2014 Last date for full paper: 05 th April, 2014 Language: Papers can be presented in either English or Hindi. Presentation: Selected papers will be presented in different technical sessions followed by discussion. Note: Selected Papers will Be Published.

6 BABASAHEB BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY (A Central University) Vidya Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow International Seminar on Understanding Dr. Ambedkar s Concept of Dhamma: Transforming Self and Society 14 th & 15 th April 2014 Organised by School for Ambedkar Studies Registration Form Submit to internationalseminarbbau2014@gmail.com and CC to ripsbbau@gmail.com Personal Details: Name:... Affiliated Institution Kindly tick any one category Category A Teacher/Industry/NGO/Bureaucracy Category B Research Scholar Title of the paper: Sub theme:. Contact Details: Full address..... Mobile no Signature of the Registration Counter Assistant Signature of the Participant

7 Financial support: Selected paper presenters will be paid travel expenses as per the rule. The organizers will arrange for accommodation and local hospitality. All the participants are required to register themselves. The registration is free. Organizing Committee: Organizing Secretary: Dr. Ripu Sudan Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, BBAU; e.mail: Co-Organizing Secretary: Dr. B B Malik, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, BBAU; e.mail: bbmalik57@gmail.com Joint Organizing Secretary: Mr. S M Basha, Assistant Professor, Depart of History, BBAU., Rules for Participation Only registered participants will be allowed to take part in any of the events of the Seminar. Registration will be as given in table. All the registered participants will be provided with a participation certificate, conference kit, lunch and high tea. For Power Point Presentation, please inform us in advance. Participants can send prior information for registration and accommodation by on internationalseminarbbau2014@gmail.com and ripsbbau@gmail.com For any queries and assistance, please contact us via on ripsbbau@gmail.com and bbmalik57@gmail.com For telephonic queries, please call at

8 About the University The Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University is a Central University located in Lucknow and was established in The University is dedicated to promoting learning of higher education in various fields of natural and social sciences. Besides, the University is also committed to promoting various ideas for which Dr. Ambedkar worked during his lifetime. About the School for Ambedkar Studies The School for Ambedkar Studies in the university is a new Center established in The Ambedkar School is dedicated to promote teaching and research in the emerging fields of political science, Economics, Sociology and History while maintaining the scholarship in some of the conventional fields like political thought, political philosophy etc. The Ambedkar Studies has thiry teachers and around one hundred thirty students. Since its inception, the Ambedkar studies has been concentrating on maintaining global standards in its teaching as well as research programmes. The Studies is committed to give new directions to the teaching methods and research areas in the discipline.

9 Road Map of BBAU, Lucknow

10 Hotels in Lucknow The Piccadily Lucknow Address : Sector- B, Bara Birwa, Kanpur Road City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : Phone No. : , Fax No. : ID : contact@piccadilylucknow.co.in Website : Taj Residency Address : Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : Phone No. : Fax No. : ID : vivanta.gomtinagar@tajhotels.com Website : Gemini Continental Address : 10, Rani Laxmi Bai Marg City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : Phone No. : Fax No. : ID : welcome@geminicontinental.com Website : Clarks Avadh Address : U P Hotels Limited, 8, Mahatma Gandhi Marg City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : Phone No. : , Fax No. : ID : reservation@clarksavadh.com Website : Hotel Deep Address : National Highway 25, Ghasyari Mandi City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : Phone No. : / 43/ 44/ 47 ID : deep@lwl.vsnl.net.in Website : La Place Sarovar Portico Address : 6, Shahnajaf Road City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : Phone No. : Fax No. : ID : lpsp@sarovarhotels.com Website :

11 About Lucknow and the Adjoining Places Delegates and participants visiting Lucknow may have options to visit several important historical places in Lucknow and adjoining Lucknow. The entire region is very rich in terms of culture, history, nature and religion. All the places are well connected with rail and roads. Temperature at Lucknow and adjoing places in the month of April is expected to be around C. The brief detail is as follow; Lucknow city is legendary for its Adab and Tehzeeb (cultural refinement), and is also associated with its legendary hospitality, leisurely moods of life, fabled edifices steeped in history, world renowned cuisine and exquisite Sham-e-Avadh. Tremors of time have not effaced Lucknow of its cultural heritage and traditions, which once contributed in creating the city incomparable in its times. As the 18th century seat of the Nawabs of Avadh, Lucknow flourished becoming an important political and cultural centre, rivaling Delhi in its patronage to art and literature. It was during this time that culture and architecture synthesized emerging in a distinct form, now so typical to the Lucknow culture. Musicians and dancers flocked to Lucknow giving birth to new musical forms and instruments under the patronage of the royalty. Art forms like Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawalis, Ghazals and Shero Shairi saw their finest hour. In this era, major stress was laid on even minor details like the art of dressing, apparels (libaas) and jewelry all symbolic of a genteel lifestyle. The legacy of the exquisite embroidery still lives on with equal zest in today's modern era. Culinary skills, too, reached heights of excellence as the nawabs were not only gracious hosts but also extremely fond of good nutritious food. Thus, the skillful art of slow cooking emerged. The royalty of Avadh was also famous for indulging in extravagant pastimes like elephant and rooster fights and kite flying, a game that still evokes passionate involvement among the flyers and the bystanders alike. The field of architecture saw re-interpretation of the existing styles and experimentation in the fusion of the occidental and the oriental style of architecture. The magnificent edifices standing proudly among the architectural skyline of the city are living examples of the na wab's architectural ingenuity. Modern Lucknow, spread evenly on both sides of river Gomti, is a perfect blend of the ancient with the modern, as many glitzy shopping arcades coexist with the old monuments. The greatest attraction of Lucknow, where the past jostles with the present is its unique ability to achieve harmony amidst disorder and to assimilate the new into the old.

12 Ayodhya: Ayodhya is located on the right bank of the river Sarayu, 150 km from Lucknow. This town is closely associated with Rama, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. According to the Ramayana, the city is 9,000 years old, and was founded by Manu, the first man in the Vedas, and law-giver of the Hindus. For centuries, it was the capital for the Surya dynasty, of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated king. At the time it was known as Kaushaldesa. Allahabad: A city of many dimensions is what befits a description of Allahabad. In addition to being a major pilgrimage centre, the city has played an important part in the formation of modern India. Hindu mythology states that Lord Brahma, the creator god, chose a land for 'Prakrishta Yajna'. This land, at the confluence of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, blessed by gods, came to be known as 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad'. Foreseeing the sanctity of the place, Lord Brahma also called it as 'Tirth Raj' or 'King of all pilgrimage centres.' The Scriptures - Vedas and the great epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata, refer to this place as Prayag. Centuries followed. Allahabad became the headquarters of North Western Provinces, after being shifted from Agra. Well preserved relics of the British impact includes the Muir College and the All Saints Cathedral.Many important events in India's struggle for freedom, took place here - the emergence of the first Indian National Congress in 1885, the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence movement in It is only 200 km from Lucknow. Kanpur: Widely known as the Manchester of the East, it is one of the oldest industrial townships of North India. It is known as the Economic and Industrial Capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as Leather City as it contains one of the largest and finest tanneries in India and in South Asia. It is only 80 km away from Lucknow.

13 Varanasi : Banaras, the holy city of India is widely popular as Varanasi. Banaras is known as the oldest living city in the world. Banaras city is the culture capital of India. This Banaras place became the center for fairs and festivals by virtue of their cultural and religious importance. Festivals are celebrated almost every month. The celebration symbolizes life at its best with the dedication of Banaras beliefs. It is the holiest city in Hinduism and has been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years. The city is presided over by the god Shiva, and rests on the banks of the Ganges River. The importance site in Varanasi is the shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath. It is the holiest shrine in the city, and is one of twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. These are shrines where people worship Shiva in the form of "lingam of light". The original shrine was destroyed, but this is a reconstruction built in Its culture is greatly associated with the river's religious traditions. It has been the symbol for Hindu renaissance and devotion to the gods. People believed that the Ganges River has the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Many festivals are celebrated in high spirits. A huge number of foreigners visit the place in order to witness the significance of each fair. It is 320 km from Lucknow. Nainital: Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ' Lake District ' of India. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital, Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal. Nainital s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature. It is 375 Km from Lucknow.

14 Jim Corbett Park: Corbett Park is one of India's most beautiful wildlife areas has a tiger population of around 160, which makes this park as the last and the most important bastion of this endangered species in India. Corbett Park s square kilometers of virgin forest and jungle are home to numerous other species of fauna. The rich biodiversity of the park is a perfect place for bird enthusiasts; the area is considered one of the best bird-watching areas in India, with some 600 species having been sighted in the park. The different habitat types of Corbett Park i.e. mountains, Sal forests, chaurs (grasslands), khair-sissoo forests, and rivers have their distinct assemblage of plants. More than 600 species of birds, trees, shrubs, herbs, bamboos, grasses, climbers and ferns have been identified in the Corbett Park. The most visible trees found in Corbett Park are Sal, Sissoo and Khair. Many other species that contribute to the diversity are found scattered throughout the Corbett park. Chir Pine is the only conifer of the Park and is found on ridge-tops. The upper reaches near Kanda ridge have Oak growing, which is essentially a Himalayan species. Other major tree species seen in and around Corbett park are Bel, Kusum, Mahua, Bakli. Dudhwa National Park : The Dudhwa National Park is a national park in the Terai of Uttar Pradesh, India, and covers an area of km 2 (189.3 sq mi), with a buffer zone of 190 km 2 (73 sq mi). It is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. It is located on the Indo-Nepal border in the Lakhimpur Kheri District, and has buffer of reserved forest areas on the northern and southern sides. It represents one of the few remaining examples of a highly diverse and productive Terai ecosystem, supporting a large number of endangered species, obligate species of tall wet grasslands and species of restricted distribution. Major attractions of Dudhwa National Park are the Tigers and Swamp Deer (population over 1,600). Billy Arjan Singh successfully hand-reared and reintroduced zooborn tigers and leopards into the wilds of Dudhwa. Some rare species inhabit the park. Hispid Hare, earlier thought to have become extinct, was rediscovered here in 1984.