Chicago varsity adds Ambedkar’s writings to library, strengthens global academic access

By A Representative

The University of Chicago has accepted 20 volumes of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Writings and Speeches (BAWS) at the Harper Library on May 15, 2025. This historic donation, facilitated by the Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA), marks a significant milestone for Ambedkarite communities across the USA and Canada, furthering their mission of promoting Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and advancing educational accessibility.

University students and faculty gathered to witness the formal handover of these volumes to the library, where they are now available for circulation. The University of Chicago librarian expressed deep appreciation, emphasizing the importance of Ambedkar’s contributions to Humanities, Religious Studies, Economics, Anthropology, and Indian History. His writings, covering topics such as social justice, economic policy, world religions, and constitutional law, provide invaluable academic insights for students and scholars alike.

The University of Chicago, founded in 1890, is ranked among the top research universities globally, with a student body exceeding 10,870 and affiliations with Nobel laureates. The institution offers 53 majors and 47 minors at the undergraduate level and operates seven international campuses. The inclusion of Dr. Ambedkar’s works strengthens its commitment to providing diverse and critical perspectives for scholars.

Special recognition is extended to Anand Kshirsagar, Founding Co-President of the Anti-Caste Student Policy Forum (ACPF) and MPP ’25 candidate at Harris School of Public Policy, for his instrumental role in making this initiative a reality. By introducing Dr. Ambedkar’s works to the University of Chicago, AANA continues its mission of educational empowerment and social justice advocacy.

AANA has collaborated with organizations such as Atal Incubation Centre (AIC), Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Ambedkar Buddhist Association of Texas (ABAT), and Buddhist Study Group (BSG) to donate Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Writings and Speeches to universities and libraries across North America, expanding access to his work on social justice, human rights, and equality.

AANA and its partner organizations have donated Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Writings and Speeches to several esteemed universities across North America, including Harvard University, Princeton University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, the University of Texas at Austin, York University in Canada, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Delaware, and Indiana University, among others. These donations help expand awareness of Ambedkar’s work and its significance in discussions on equality, human rights, and social reform.

Additionally, local libraries have received copies, increasing public accessibility to literature on Indian history, economic justice, caste discrimination, Buddhist philosophy, and Ambedkar’s vision of a just society.

Established in 2008, AANA is dedicated to fulfilling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of empowering marginalized communities through education and advocacy. By promoting Buddhist teachings of peace and equality, AANA fosters cultural and educational initiatives for the South Asian diaspora in North America.

Ambedkar’s Writings Enter Emory University Library

In a related development, Emory University formally has also accepted the complete 20-volume set of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Writings and Speeches (BAWS). The donation took place during a joint celebration of Mahatma Jotirao Phule and Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversaries at Goodrich C. White Hall, Atlanta.

The BAWS volumes were gifted by the JaibhimAtlanta Team in collaboration with Ambedkar International Center (AIC) and Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA). Emory University librarians, students, professors, and local Ambedkarites were present to welcome the collection, which is now available for circulation in the university’s library.

Says an AANA communique, university officials expressed deep appreciation, noting the interdisciplinary value of Ambedkar’s works spanning social justice, law, religion, economics, and Indian history.

The initiative is considered part of a broader campaign by North American Ambedkarite organizations, which have successfully placed these critical volumes in libraries of leading institutions including Harvard, Princeton, University of Chicago, and York University.

"This effort not only broadens academic access to Ambedkar’s vision of equality and justice but also strengthens the educational foundation for future scholars worldwide. The full digital collection is accessible at https://baws.in", adds AANA.

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