Ambedkar Univ’s Shodhotsav celebrates country’s vision of becoming Vishwaguru

The fifth edition of Dr BR Ambedkar University’s annual research festival Shodhotsav opened on Thursday with a strong call to position India as a global knowledge leader — the Vishwaguru.

The event was inaugurated by historian and Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), Sachchidanand Joshi, along with Vice-Chancellor Prof Anu Singh Lather. On the occasion, the Shodhotsav 2025 booklet were released.

Joshi said ancient manuscripts, traditions and wisdom were treasures that needed to be rediscovered and reinterpreted for today’s world. “Artificial intelligence may be powerful,” he said, “but it is human intelligence, creativity and compassion that must guide India’s journey as a Vishwaguru.”

Lather highlighted the Indian spirit of inquiry, non-violence and compassion. Recalling her research with the indigenous communities of the Northeast, she pointed to their resilience and sustainable practices as valuable lessons for the modern world.

The university also honoured 31 faculty members for their research achievements.