Boston Study Group Celebrates Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s 135th Birth Anniversary with “Equality Day” in Boston

The Boston Study Group (BSG), a Boston-based organization dedicated to fostering a just and equitable society, proudly celebrated “Equality Day” on April 11th in Boston, MA, in honor of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s 135th birth anniversary.

The celebration was a vibrant and enriching blend of thought-provoking speeches, captivating cultural performances, and heartfelt expressions of solidarity, drawing participants from the Indian diaspora as well as friends from diverse nationalities and ethnicities. The evening commenced with an inspiring address by BSG President, Mrs. Vijaya Moroju, who reflected on BSG’s remarkable journey, its accomplishments over the past year, and its ambitious vision for the years ahead.

The event was a truly multilingual and multicultural affair, featuring an array of songs, poetry recitations, dances, and powerful spoken word performances centered on themes of resistance to oppression and the pursuit of justice. In keeping with a cherished tradition, young Ambedkarites took on the role of emcees for major segments of the program, infusing the evening with youthful energy and enthusiasm. A particularly moving highlight of the night was the brief, speeches delivered by children about Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

Alongside a rich lineup of cultural and interactive activities, the celebration also featured insightful addresses by five distinguished guest speakers: Prof. Abha Sur, Mr. Mohan Nannapaneni, Prof. Laurence Simon, Prof. Rajesh Sampath, and Mr. Saeed Ahmed. The speakers covered a broad spectrum of pressing topics, including social equality, international politics, and the pervasive issue of discrimination. Each speaker eloquently reflected on how Dr. Ambedkar’s groundbreaking work and enduring philosophy have profoundly shaped their personal journeys toward championing social justice and building a more inclusive world. Several also shared deeply personal accounts of their introduction to Dr. Ambedkar’s transformative teachings, underscoring the importance of commemorating his Birth Anniversary in the United States as a vital opportunity to preserve and pass on his legacy, cultural values, and ideals of human dignity to the next generation of Ambedkarites born and raised in the US.

In a significant milestone, BSG proudly launched the 10th issue of its digital magazine, The Awakened — a publication by Ambedkarites, for Ambedkarites — now available on the BSG website at www.bostonstudygroup.org. Further amplifying the significance of the occasion, Governors from several New England states — including Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut — officially proclaimed April 14th as “Equality Day.” This year, the proclamation was extended by many additional states across the nation, including (please insert state names here). BSG firmly believes that these gubernatorial proclamations serve as a powerful instrument in raising public awareness about the growing menace of caste discrimination within South Asian communities across the United States.

This year also marked a momentous milestone — the 10th Anniversary of the Boston Study Group. In commemoration of this achievement, BSG honored its current and past members of the Board of Directors for their invaluable contributions to the organization’s mission and growth over the decade.

The event was made possible through the generous support of several esteemed partner organizations, including the Coalition for Democratic India (CDI), Alliance for a Secular and Democratic South Asia, Boston South Asian Coalition, Casteless Caucus, Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Massachusetts Indian Christians, Kabir Society, and Bahujan Scholars.

BSG’s foundation is rooted in cultivating critical dialogue around caste, race, and gender through the study of Dr. Ambedkar’s transformative ideology and his clarion call for the Annihilation of Caste, while standing in solidarity with broader social justice movements across the United States. Over the years, BSG has been a trailblazer in fostering meaningful engagement with academic institutions and civil society organizations on issues of caste, race, gender, and social exclusion. Driven by the unwavering dedication of its members, BSG continues to grow in both strength and purpose. As the Ambedkarite community around Boston flourishes, BSG’s expanding membership reflects a deepening sense of community, belonging, and collective resolve to advance Dr. Ambedkar’s timeless vision of a just, compassionate, and equal society.