Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a 15-day educational initiative across government and private schools to educate students about the life, legacy, and ideas of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The campaign, set to begin on April 20, comes as part of a broader effort by the Delhi government to promote inclusive education and instill respect for India’s constitutional framework.
Speaking at a press conference, CM Gupta emphasized the importance of teaching students about the contributions of Dr. Ambedkar—not just as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, but as a towering figure in the fight against caste discrimination and a champion of social reform. She called the initiative “a tribute to the intellectual powerhouse who laid the foundation of modern India.”
A Curriculum Rooted in Values
The 15-day campaign, titled “Dr. Ambedkar Smriti Path,” will include a series of classroom sessions, interactive activities, debates, quizzes, and essay competitions centered on Ambedkar’s life, principles, and the values he championed. Special focus will be placed on his work for Dalit rights, women’s empowerment, and the eradication of untouchability.
Schools will also conduct morning assemblies themed around Ambedkar’s speeches and writings. Selected excerpts from his famous texts like Annihilation of Caste and The Problem of the Rupee will be introduced to higher-grade students in simplified formats to spark discussion and reflection.
In addition to classroom engagement, educational institutions will organize film screenings, group readings, and cultural programs to creatively explore Ambedkar’s multi-faceted legacy. The Delhi government’s Directorate of Education has already circulated guidelines to all schools, encouraging innovative methods of teaching that resonate with students from diverse backgrounds.
Involving Teachers and Communities
The initiative is not limited to students alone. Teachers across Delhi are being trained through special workshops to guide students through the content in a sensitive and engaging manner. These training modules include historical context, pedagogical techniques for value education, and methods to handle discussions around caste and social hierarchy constructively.
CM Gupta also announced community outreach programs where schools will collaborate with parents, local leaders, and social activists to further the message of equality and inclusion. “We want Ambedkar Jayanti to go beyond token celebrations. Through this campaign, we hope to start conversations in every household about justice, dignity, and democracy,” she said.
Political and Social Impact
The announcement has been widely appreciated by educators and civil society organizations. Many see it as a timely move, especially in a climate where issues of social justice and constitutional values are increasingly at the center of public discourse. By introducing Ambedkar’s teachings into the formative years of education, the government hopes to sow the seeds of critical thinking and compassion in students.
However, political reactions have been mixed. While several opposition leaders have welcomed the campaign, a few have questioned its timing and suggested that such efforts must be sustained throughout the academic year, rather than condensed into short-term initiatives. In response, Delhi’s Education Minister assured that this 15-day campaign is only the beginning of a longer-term plan to integrate Ambedkarian philosophy into the school curriculum more consistently.
A Step Toward Conscious Citizenship
CM Rekha Gupta’s announcement reflects her administration’s focus on education as a tool for social transformation. The campaign is expected to reach over a million students in Delhi and serve as a model for other states to replicate.
As India continues to grapple with questions of equality, rights, and representation, revisiting the life and teachings of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar becomes more relevant than ever. Through this initiative, Delhi is not only paying tribute to a national icon but also empowering its youth to become conscious, informed citizens who can uphold the ideals of justice, liberty, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.
The true measure of the campaign’s success will lie in its ability to inspire students to dream of—and build—a more just and inclusive India, just as Dr. Ambedkar envisioned.