The Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), University of the Punjab, Lahore, in collaboration with Jinnah-Ambedkar Chair CSAS & GNH- Sweden,  successfully organized an academic conference titled “From Social Reforms to Regional Transformation: Re-Examining B.R. Ambedkar’s Legacy for Contemporary South Asia.” The Conference brought together scholars, researchers, and policy experts to critically engage with the enduring relevance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideas in the context of contemporary South Asian societies. The event commenced with an introduction by Dr. Arfan Mehmood, Assistant Professor at CSAS, who highlighted the significance of revisiting Ambedkar’s intellectual, constitutional, and social contributions amid ongoing regional challenges related to inclusion, democracy, and social justice.

The participants were formally welcomed by Prof. Dr. Naheed S. Goraya, Director, CSAS. In her welcome address, Dr. Goraya emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and regional scholarship in understanding Ambedkar’s legacy beyond national boundaries, particularly in relation to marginalized communities, constitutional rights, and inclusive development across South Asia. The paper presentation session was chaired by Dr. Kishwar Munir, Head of the Department, School of Integrated Social Sciences, University of Lahore. The conference featured a diverse range of scholarly presentations addressing contemporary social, political, economic, and constitutional issues through the lens of Ambedkarite thought.

Anna Sixtensson from EHS University, Stockholm, Sweden, presented her paper titled “From Hierarchy to Relational Belonging: Ambedkarite Ethical and Social Reconstruction, Lived Religion and Ecological Spirituality in 12 Steps to Global Wellbeing,” exploring Ambedkar’s ethical vision and its relevance to global wellbeing and ecological spirituality. Dr. Mukesh Kumar Khatwani & Dr. Ishrat Afshan Abbasi from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, examined “Connotation of Ambedkar’s Vision of Social Inclusion in India under the Hindutva-Inspired Modi Regime,” critically analyzing the challenges faced by inclusive democratic values in contemporary India. Dr. Shamaila Athar, HOD, Deptt. of Sociology at Forman Christian College University (FCCU), Lahore, presented on “Issue of Social Exclusion Experienced by Religious Minorities in Pakistan through a Sociological Perspective Inspired by the Vision of B.R. Ambedkar,” highlighting the social realities of minority communities and the continued relevance of Ambedkar’s advocacy for equality. Imran Ahmad Naseer from The Asian Vision, “Prosperity through Peace,” revisited Ambedkar’s economic philosophy in his paper “Revisiting Ambedkar’s Economic Thought: Pathways to Inclusive Development in Contemporary South Asia,” emphasizing equitable growth and regional development. Capt. Dr. Keshav Limbaji Pawar from Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil University, Satara, Maharashtra, presented “Application of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Constitutional Socio-Economic Model for Inclusive Human Development,” focusing on constitutional mechanisms for sustainable and inclusive human progress. The final presentation by Malika Shahzadi, Dr. Abdul Jabbar, & Dr. Azeem Akbar from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, titled “Impact of Social Media Engagement and Usage on Students' Political Participation to Uplift Standards of Social Democracy in South Asia: A Study of the Punjab University,” examined the role of digital media in shaping youth political engagement and democratic participation.

Concluding the session, Dr. Kishwar Munir delivered the chair’s remarks, appreciating the quality of research presented and underscoring the need for continued scholarly engagement with Ambedkar’s multidimensional legacy in addressing present-day regional challenges. The conference formally concluded with Concluding Remarks by Dr. Naumana Kiran, Professor of History, University of the Punjab, Lahore. She highlighted the continued relevance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideas in promoting social justice, democratic values, and inclusive regional transformation in South Asia. She also commended the organizers and participants for fostering meaningful academic dialogue on critical contemporary issues affecting the region. The conference concluded with a shared commitment among participants to promote inclusive dialogue, social justice, constitutionalism, and regional cooperation inspired by the enduring ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.