Ambedkar's legacy amplified: Writings and speeches donated to Indiana University

By A Representative 

A significant collection of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's writings and speeches has found a new home at Indiana University's Herman B Wells Library.  Professor Kevin Brown, a leading expert on "Law and Caste," donated the 20-volume set on behalf of the Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) on January 31st, 2025.  The donation was supported by university faculty members Kenneth Dau Schmidt, Luis Fuentes Rohwer, and Pedro Machado.

This gift marks a milestone for the AANA and Ambedkarite communities across North America, furthering their mission to disseminate Ambedkar's influential work and provide invaluable educational resources to institutions.  The Indiana University librarian expressed deep gratitude for the donation, recognizing the immense value of Dr. Ambedkar's writings for students across disciplines, including Humanities, Religious Studies, Economics, Anthropology, and Indian History.  The breadth of Ambedkar's work, encompassing social justice, economics, world religions, and constitutional law, makes the collection an essential academic resource.

Indiana University, a prominent public research university established in 1820 with over 48,000 students and a diverse range of academic programs, reinforces its commitment to academic excellence with this addition.  The library's collection is now enriched with Dr. Ambedkar's profound insights, ensuring access for future scholars.

Professor Brown and the supporting Indiana University faculty were commended for their contributions to this important endeavor.  The AANA's efforts to bring Ambedkar's visionary work to Indiana University align with its broader mission of promoting education and social justice.

The donation to Indiana University is part of a larger initiative by the AANA, in collaboration with organizations like AIC, AIM, ABAT, and BSG, to donate Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Writings and Speeches to universities and libraries across the United States and Canada.  These donations aim to raise awareness of Ambedkar's work and its continued relevance to contemporary discussions about equality, human rights, and social reform.

A growing list of institutions now house these vital resources, including Wayne State University, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Texas, York University, Northwestern University, and many others.  In addition to universities, the AANA has also facilitated donations to local libraries, broadening public access to critical literature on Indian history, economics, caste discrimination, Buddhist philosophy, and Ambedkar’s vision for a just society.

Founded in 2008, the Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) is dedicated to realizing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of empowering marginalized communities through education.  By promoting Buddha's message of peace and compassion, the AANA supports cultural, educational, and social initiatives that benefit the South Asian diaspora in North America.