Ambedkar Chamber Organises Art Workshop on Life and Legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Bureau,Odishabarta

RAIPUR (Chhattisgarh):  An Ambedkar Art (Painting) Workshop, organised by the Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ambedkar Chamber) in collaboration with the Painting Department of Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (I.K.S.V.), Khairagarh, concluded successfully with the recognition of outstanding young artists. The workshop was held on January 19, 2026, as part of the academic and creative observances linked to the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

The unique workshop witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 52 students from the Painting Department, who explored Dr. Ambedkar’s life, struggles, philosophy, and constitutional vision through powerful visual narratives. Themes such as equality, liberty, fraternity, education, social justice, and constitutional morality formed the core of artistic expression.

Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSV) in Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh, is widely recognized as Asia’s first university fully dedicated to music, dance, fine arts, and theatre, established in 1956. While often celebrated for its unique, pioneering status and extensive specialized arts curriculum, it is generally cited as the first music university in Asia.

Distinguished Academic and Institutional Leadership;The programme was held under the patronage of Prof. (Dr.) Lovely Sharma, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, I.K.S.V., who graced the inauguration as Chief Patron.Rusen Kumar, National President, Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended as the Special Guest, while Dr. Soumitra Tiwari, Registrar, I.K.S.V., marked his esteemed presence, further strengthening the institutional framework of the workshop.

Academic guidance and departmental coordination were provided by Prof. Manas Sahu, Dean, Faculty of Visual Arts, and Dr. Vikash Chandra, Painting Department, ensuring strong scholarly and creative direction. Guest Faculties – Sanjay Kumar and Chandan P. Dekate actively supported the programme.

Jury Appreciates Depth, Originality, and Social Consciousness;

The artworks were evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising Dr. Ravi Narayan Gupta, Dr. Chhagendra Usendi, Sandeep Kindo, and Kapil Singh Verma.

The jury appreciated the depth of thought, originality, technical skill, and thematic relevance reflected in the paintings.

Based on merit, five students were selected for awards.

Winners of the Ambedkar Art Workshop

Participants from Fine Arts courses presented thoughtful works, and the jury recognized five outstanding performers for their excellence.

• 1st Rank was secured by Shreyash Tripathi (MFA, 1st Year) for a standout presentation that demonstrated strong concept, technique, and overall impact.
• 2nd Rank went to Shruti Sahu (MFA, 2nd Year), whose work reflected maturity, clarity of expression, and refined artistic execution.
• 3rd Rank was awarded to Pushpendra Kumar Kevat (MFA, 2nd Year) for an engaging and well-composed artwork that balanced theme and craftsmanship effectively.
• 4th Rank was achieved by Anmol Goel (MFA, 1st Year), recognized for originality and promising artistic depth at an early stage of the programme.
• 5th Rank was secured by Ankit Kumar Sahu (BFA, 4th Year), whose work showed strong academic grounding and creative confidence as a senior undergraduate student.
• Overall, the winners represent a strong mix of emerging and experienced artists, highlighting the workshop’s success in encouraging both talent and thoughtful artistic practice.

e-Chancellor Urges Students to Follow Ambedkar’s Path to Grow;

Addressing the students, Prof. (Dr.) Lovely Sharma, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (I.K.S.V.), said that continuous effort, discipline, and honesty are essential for success. He encouraged students to remain dedicated to their discipline and contribute meaningfully to society through their art.Prof. (Dr.) Lovely Sharma, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, I.K.S.V., who graced the inauguration as Chief Patron, said the Ambedkar Art Workshop was not merely a cultural programme but a meaningful academic and social initiative that connects young minds with the constitutional vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

 She noted that when students understand Ambedkar through art, they begin to internalise the values of equality, justice, dignity, and fraternity in a deeper way. Encouraging the participants, she urged them to walk on the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar—by embracing education, developing moral courage, standing for truth, and using their talent to give voice to the concerns of society. She added that such workshops strengthen social consciousness, nurture responsible citizenship, and inspire youth to translate Ambedkar’s ideas into creative expression that can positively influence communities.

Art, Social Consciousness, and Economic Empowerment Must Go Hand in Hand

Rusen Kumar, National President, Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the deeper social responsibility of creative expression and underlined the economic dimension of Ambedkar’s vision. He said: “Art is not only about beauty; it is also a language of social consciousness. This painting workshop gives young artists an opportunity to understand Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas through colours and carry them forward to society.”

Elaborating further, Rusen Kumar said that today’s young artists must not limit themselves to being only creators of paintings, but must also evolve into “art entrepreneurs”—individuals who can build their own identity, livelihood, and independent economic strength through art. He stressed that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s mission was not only social upliftment, but also economic empowerment, because without economic independence, dignity and equality remain incomplete.He added that when an artist learns to value their work, price it with confidence, build networks, and create opportunities through exhibitions, collaborations, and market platforms, the artist is not just earning income—but also strengthening the larger Ambedkarite objective of empowering communities. According to him, art entrepreneurship turns talent into self-reliance, and self-reliance becomes the foundation of a stronger society.

Rusen Kumar noted that Ambedkar’s ideas must be carried into society not only through speeches and books, but also through creative industries, where youth can represent social truth, constitutional values, and lived realities in ways that touch public consciousness. He said that such workshops should regularly nurture artists who are socially aware, economically independent, and capable of turning art into a meaningful force for transformation.

Concluding his remarks, he urged students to see their art as a mission with purpose—a bridge between creativity and social change—while also seeing their career as a path to empowerment, where every successful artist-entrepreneur becomes a living example of Ambedkar’s economic empowerment vision.Art as a Medium of Social Responsibility;

The organisers stated that the Ambedkar Art Workshop was conceptualised as a creative and intellectual tribute to Dr. Ambedkar, aiming to connect young artists with the ideas that shaped modern India. Beyond artistic expression, the workshop fostered dialogue on social responsibility, inclusivity, and constitutional values.

Encouraged by the response and quality of participation, the organisers announced that the Ambedkar Art Workshop will be organised regularly to nurture socially conscious art and provide meaningful exposure and recognition to emerging artists.