Title: "Caste in/and The State Policy: Ascription, Identities and Democratic Politics"

The Dr Ambedkar Memorial Lecture was held on October 6, 2025, starting at 10:30 AM at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial, located on Senapati Bapat Road in Pune. This year’s lecture focused on the theme, "Caste in/and The State Policy: Ascription, Identities and Democratic Politics," bringing scholarly attention to the ongoing intersections between caste, state policy, and democratic governance. The program was organised by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Dr Ambedkar Chair, the Symbiosis Centre for Ambedkar Studies, in close collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The event was generously sponsored under the scheme of the Dr Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.

Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including the Guest Speaker, Prof. Surinder S. Jodhka, Professor of Sociology at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Prof. Jyoti Chandiramani served as the Guest of Honour, while Prof. Murzban Jal held the role of Chairperson. The event was hosted and chaired by Prof. Ajay Choudhary, Dr Ambedkar Chair, with Dr Hemangi Kadlak delivering the formal vote of thanks, acknowledging all contributors and participants for the successful conduct of the program.