Resource Person / Facilitator: Mr. Abhijit Jagtap (Alumni and Current staff)

Summary:
Second-year Civil Engineering students visited Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum, Pune as part of the Essence of Indian Constitution curriculum. The visit aimed to understand Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution to the Constitution and social justice. Through exhibits and historical documents, students gained insights into key constitutional values like equality, liberty, and rights. The visit helped connect academic learning with the real-life vision of India’s chief architect of the Constitution.

Objective / Purpose:
The primary objective of the academic visit to the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum, located in Pune, was to deepen students’ understanding of the Indian Constitution, its values, and the life and contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The visit was organized under the subject Essence of Indian Constitution. The key aims of the visit were to:

1. Explore the historical and constitutional significance of Dr. Ambedkar’s role in drafting the Indian Constitution, particularly through the visual displays and preserved manuscripts.
2. Understand core constitutional values such as equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity through curated exhibits and life events of Dr. Ambedkar.
3. Draw connections between constitutional principles and civil society, especially in terms of social upliftment, representation, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
4. Encourage critical reflection among students on how constitutional values are relevant in present-day civic and professional life.
5. Promote civic awareness and social responsibility, essential for future technocrats and professionals in shaping an inclusive and democratic society.

Outcomes:
The visit to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum provided students with a deep understanding of constitutional values, historical events, and the life journey of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The museum serves as an educational space that bridges classroom learning with real-life constitutional heritage. The key observations and outcomes are as follows:

A. Constitutional Legacy and Visual Learning:

1. The museum showcases original manuscripts, replicas of the Constitution, and personal belongings of Dr. Ambedkar, allowing students to engage with primary sources of constitutional history.
2. Exhibits highlight Dr. Ambedkar’s pivotal role as Chairman of the Drafting Committee and his contributions to shaping democratic India.

B. Social Reform and Inclusion:

1. The museum vividly presents Dr. Ambedkar’s efforts toward social justice, particularly his work for the upliftment of Dalits, women, and marginalized communities.
2. It illustrates the impact of constitutional provisions like Articles 14–17 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life) in establishing an inclusive society.

C. Civic Awareness and Student Engagement:

1. The visit encouraged students to reflect on their duties as citizens, and the relevance of constitutional values in professional and social life.
2. The interactive format and thematic galleries helped in understanding complex concepts like fundamental rights, duties, directive principles, and constitutional morality.