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

BABASAHEB BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY (A Central University) Vidya Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow-226025 Prof. R.C. Sobti Vice-Chancellor Patron-In-Chief Prof. Victor Babu Director of the Seminar, Dean, School for AmbedkarStudies Shaik Mahboob Basha Asstt. Professor Deptt. of History Co- Organising Secretary Dear Sir / Madam, It is a matter of immense pleasure for us to inform you that our University is organizing a two-day International Seminar on Transcending Caste: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Social Democracy in Contemporary India on 14 & 15 April 2013. 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. 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 05 April 2013 and the full-length paper by 10 April 2013. Needless to mention that besides hospitality by the Institution, we will bear travel expenses of the selected paper presenters only as per university rules. Kindly acknowledge on this e-mail ID: ripusudans@gmail.com You are requested to confirm your participation; you may also request your colleagues to take part in the seminar. Yours Sincerely Thanking you Organizing Secretary Dr. Ripu Sudan Singh Department of Political Science Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow Mob- 9415153001 E-mail to: internationalseminarbbau@gmail.com Mob. 09415153001 For further details please visit our website: www.bbau.ac.in Last date for Abstract: 05 th April, 2013 Last date for full paper: 10 th April, 2013

A TWO DAY International Seminar on Transcending Caste: Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and Social Democracy in Contemporary India Date: 14-15 April 2013 Organized by: School for Ambedkar Studies BBAU, Lucknow Seminar Director Organizing Secretary: Prof. Victor Babu Dr. Ripu Sudan Singh Dean, Department of Political Science School for Ambedkar University B.B.A.U. Lucknow BBAU, Lucknow Contact: 09415153001; Emails: ripusudans@gmail.com, internationalseminarbbau@gmail.com Shaik Mahboob Basha Co-organising Secretary Assistant Professor, Deptt. of History BBAU, Lucknow Emal: bashalucknow@yahoo.com

Concept Note of the Seminar Rights are protected not by law but by the social and moral conscience of society. If social conscience is such that it is prepared to recognize the rights which law chooses to enact, rights will be safe and secure. But if the fundamental rights are opposed by the community, no law, no parliament, no judiciary can guarantee them in the real sense of the word. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of the chief architects of modern India, and whose name is justice, particularly social justice, personified, consistently advocated for a just society based on the cardinal principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, the sure signs of a modern and, most importantly, humane society. But the graded inequality Indian society has been suffering from does not really allow even the conception of a modern and democratic society, not to speak of a humane society based on moral foundations. As India was heading to become a republic, Dr. Ambedkar, in line with his usual intellectually sound reminders, pointedly cautioned us about the contradictory life we were to experience with political democracy on the one hand and the deeply hierarchical social life on the other. It is the question of bringing about social democracy in the undemocratic Hindu social order, in which, as Ambedkar said, the first shall never become the last [and] the last shall never become the first, with which he engaged himself throughout his public career as an activist intellectual. The complex caste system, an inbuilt system of economic oppression, but masquerading as a cultural order, as Ambedkar identified, is a schematically arranged system of privileges for the chosen few and marginalization, degradation, suffering and everyday humiliation to the majority section of people. It potentially manufactured the consent of the majority section of the dominated into silently accepting the dehumanizing domination of the powerful minority through a prescriptive culture code. Caste governs Indians life in all aspects. An Indian cannot eat or marry with an Indian simply because he or she does not belong to his or her caste. An Indian cannot touch an Indian because he or she does not belong to his or her caste. Go and enter politics and you can see caste reflected therein. How does an Indian vote in election? Dr. Ambedkar explained the all pervasive presence and power of caste. And such a state of affair frustrates the spirit of political democracy. We have been witnessing the negative energy of caste; each caste functioning as an insular nation. Scholars have engaged themselves in unraveling the multiple dynamics of caste. Recently, Dr. Ambedkar s thought has been deployed for a better understanding of the scenario from the perspective of the victims. Annihilation of caste has been much spoken about and the methods of doing so are thoroughly discussed. Caste creates oppressive structures or the very system is oppression unleashed. Is ending caste ever possible? Does conversion to other religions guarantee social democracy to the converts? How to grapple with caste hierarchy being within the fold of Hinduism? Is Hindu social order compatible with social democracy? If caste is an obstacle to the making of a modern nation, what are the ways out to transcend the same? are only a few of the pertinent questions we are faced with. At a historical juncture where the market forces are deciding the future of political democracies, and when the seemingly modern market economies silently practice caste in the name of the private and large scale discrimination against the marginalized sections is well noticed, what role should the political democracies play are also our serious concerns. How does Dr. Ambedkar s thought on India s caste determined political economy help us find solutions to the problem? These are some of the questions the proposed International Seminar would like to address.

Sub-Themes o De-coding Dr. Ambedkar s Vision on Social Democracy for Independent India o Conceptual Framework : Transcending Identities o From Political Freedom to Socioeconomic Transformation o Strengthening Political Democracy the Social Means o Building social Democracy for Distributive Justice o Dilemmas of Political, Social and Market Democracy

Schedule of the Programme 14 April 2013 (Day One) 10.30 to 11.45 Inaugural Session: De-coding Dr. Ambedkar s Vision on Social Democracy for Independent India 11.45 to 12 High Tea 12 O clock to 2pm Technical session 1: Conceptual Framework: Transcending Identities 2pm to 2.30 Lunch Break 2.30 to 4.30 Technical session11: From Political Freedom to Socioeconomic Transformation 4.30 to 5 pm Refreshment 15 April 2013 (Day Two) 10.30 to 11.45 Technical session 1: Strengthening Political Democracy the Social Means 11.45 to 12 High Tea 12 O clock to 2pm Technical session II: Dilemmas of Political, Social and Market Democracy 2pm to 3.00 Lunch Break 3pm to 5pm Valedictory Session

About the University The Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University is a Central University located in Lucknow and was established in 1996. 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. 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 email on internationalseminarbbau@gmail.com. For any queries and assistance, please contact us via email on internationalseminarbbau@gmail.com. For telephonic queries, please call at 09415153001.

Guidelines for Submission of Seminar Papers: The abstract paper of maximum 300 words, MS word, font size 12, Times New Roman, 1.5 space. Full Paper must not be more than 5, 000 words and should be typed in Times New Roman font, Size 12 on A4 size paper using MS Word, 1.5 Space. This will facilitate us to circulate amongst the participants and others. Paper and the abstract must be sent on e-mail followed by hard copy of the same by post on the address given below. Email: internationalseminarbbau@gmail.com To, Dr. Ripu Sudan Singh Department of Political Science, Babaseheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow 226025 U.P. India. Important Dates: Last date for Abstract: 5 th April, 2013 Last date for full paper: 10 th April, 2013 Language: Papers can be presented in either English or Hindi. Presentation: Selected papers will be presented in different technical sessions followed by discussion. Publication: Accepted papers would be published.

Registration Fee: The registration fees will be as follow: S. No Category Fee 1. Faculty from outside Lucknow Rs. 1000 2. Faculty from Lucknow Rs. 600 2. Faculty from BBAU, Lucknow Rs. 500 3. Research Scholars from BBAU, Lucknow Rs. 500 4. Research scholars from other institutions Rs. 800 5. Members from NGO, and other organizations (Local Rs. 500) (Outstation Rs.1000) 6. Scholars from Abroad $100 US dollars Note: The registration fee shall be paid by the participants through a cheque/bank draft or through RTGS at the following. A/C: 2900101005049 A/C name: Organizing Secretary, International Seminar, BBAU, Lucknow IFSC: CNRB0002900 Bank Name: Canara Bank Branch Name: BBA University, Lucknow

BABASAHEB BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY (A Central University) Vidya Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow-226025 International Seminar on Transcending Caste: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Social Democracy in Contemporary India 14-15 April 2013 Organised by School for Ambedkar Studies Registration Form Submit to email: internationalseminarbbau@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:... Registration fee details: Demand Draft No Amount drawn in favour of...... If cash payment, receipt no Amount drawn in favour of RTGS receipt number with date and amount........ Date of registration:... Contact Details: Full address..... Mobile no...email...

Signature of the Registration Counter Assistant Signature of the Participant About Accommodation: The Organisers will make effort to provide modest accommodation to outstation participants subject to availability of the same in the university guest house/hostels of the university. Lucknow city has a number of good hotels with the tariff varying from Rs. 500 for a Non-AC Single room upwards. Participants willing to stay in hotels and pay for the same may contact the organizing committee for booking at least 10 days in advance. Travel Grant: The travel grant is limited; however, the authors, whose papers are accepted for presentation in the seminar, would be reimbursed to and fro third AC fare by the shortest route. For further details in this regard, please visit our website: www.bbau.ac.in For any queries, following email: internationalseminarbbau@gmail.com Contact No: Mr. Anil Kumar, +91-9889171827 email. Kumaranil1100@gmail.com Mr. Anand Pratap Singh, +91-9044471565 Anand.singh176@rediffmail.com Organizing Secretary Dr. Ripu Sudan Singh Department of Political Science Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow Mob. - 09415153001

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 30 37 0 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.

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 1920. 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.

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 1780. 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.

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 1318.54 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 490.3 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 zoo-born 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.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Prof. N.M.P. Verma, DE Prof. Kameshwar Choudhary, DS Prof. Narendra Kumar, DPS Dr. Sanatan Nayak, D.E Dr. Manish Verma, DS Dr. B.B. Mallik, DS Dr. L.C. Malliah, DE Dr. B. N. Dube, DS Dr. S.K. Pandey, DPS Dr. Jaya Srivastava, DS Dr. Brajesh Kumar, DS Dr. Ravi Kumar, DH Dr. S. Darapuri, DH Mr. B.N. Prasad, DH Dr. Surendra Meher, DE Dr. Sudhir Kumar, DPS Mr. Siddhartha Mukerji, DPS Dr. D.K. Yadava, DE Dr. P. Mohanty, CSSEIP Dr. R. P. Sahoo, CSSEIP Dr. Reyaz Ahmad, CSSEIP Dr. Sangeeta Kishnan, CSSEIP Dr. Bivekanand Nayak, CSSEIP