JINNAH-AMBEDKAR CHAIR

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JINNAH-AMBEDKAR CHAIR

Introduction

The Jinnah-Ambedkar Chair aims to honour the legacies of two prominent figures in South Asian history, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Both leaders championed social justice, minority rights, and constitutional reforms, influencing the region's political and socio-economic landscape. This Chair aspires to foster critical engagement with their ideologies, particularly in the context of South Asian Studies.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of the Chair is to:

• Promote Research and Dialogue: Facilitate scholarly research on Jinnah and Ambedkar’s contributions to constitutional law, social justice, minority rights, and political theory in South Asia.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Create a platform for multi-disciplinary studies intersecting history, political science, law, sociology, and religious studies to analyze and contextualize their vision for inclusive governance and rights-based frameworks.
• Cultivate Intellectual Exchange: Encourage exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences in the field of South Asian studies and promote dialogue among academics, students, and policymakers on socio-political challenges in the region.

Justification for the Chair

The justification for establishing a Jinnah-Ambedkar Chair lies in their shared and distinctive legacies:

• Shared Commitment to Constitutionalism: Both Jinnah and Ambedkar were key architects of their respective constitutions, emphasizing rights, social welfare, and equality.
• Advocacy for Minority Rights: Jinnah and Ambedkar highlighted the marginalization of minorities and formulated policies and discourses that aimed to protect and uplift oppressed communities.
• Championing Social Reforms: While Jinnah fought for Muslim representation in the subcontinent, Ambedkar’s efforts were primarily directed towards the Dalit community. Their approaches provide valuable insights into the fight for social and political inclusion.
• Relevance to Contemporary Issues: In current times, when minority rights and religious pluralism are being contested, revisiting their ideas offers pathways to strengthen the fabric of social justice in South Asia.

Academic and Institutional Value

The establishment of this Chair would:

• Enhance Academic Excellence: By focusing on rigorous research and innovative educational programs that analyze their contributions, the Centre can be positioned as a leading academic institution in South Asian studies.
• Strengthen Research Output: Encourage publication of research papers, books, and articles on key issues related to social justice, constitutional rights, and religious freedoms.
• Forge Collaborations: Foster institutional collaboration between South Asian universities and international scholars working in the domains of law, politics, and social history.

 Scope of the Chair

The Chair’s scope would include:

• Research and Publications: Conducting and publishing in-depth research on Jinnah and Ambedkar’s contributions, legacies, and contemporary relevance.
• Conferences and Seminars: Organizing national and international conferences to explore and engage with their thoughts and visions.
• Curriculum Development: Introducing courses on their contributions, focusing on themes like minority rights, constitutionalism, social justice, and inclusive governance.

Conclusion

The Jinnah-Ambedkar Chair at the Centre of South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, would serve as a beacon of scholarly inquiry into the lives and legacies of two pivotal leaders of South Asia. By establishing this Chair, the Centre can significantly contribute to shaping an informed discourse around pluralism, social justice, and constitutionalism in the region.