|
22-07-2011
A story published in "
theinsider
" on July, 18 2011
Smith Honoured for Research on Dalit Movement
Dr.
Jay Smith, a professor of political science in
the Centre for State and Legal Studies, was
honoured for his research on India’s Dalit
movement at the June 11 symposium Celebrating 30
Years of Ambedkarism in Canada. The symposium
was sponsored by the Chetna Association of
Canada and was held at Douglas College in New
Westminster, B.C.
Smith’s research is on how and
why groups take their political causes beyond
the borders of their own countries. In
particular, he has focused on the Dalits, who,
frustrated by the slow pace of change and the
violation of their human rights, have taken
their campaign for social and economic justice
beyond the borders of India.
Aided by
new communication technologies, the Dalits have
managed to connect with friendly networks and
groups across the world, including Canada, and
they have been able to represent themselves with
growing success at venues such as the United
Nations and the World Social Forum.
Smith addressed the symposium and
afterward was presented with a plaque for his
research connecting the Dalit movement with other
global movements. He had previously delivered the
keynote address, “Dalit Advocacy Beyond Borders,” at
the Dr. Ambedkar Symposium at the University of
Calgary on April 16.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a
human rights champion of the Dalits, the primary
author of the Indian constitution and, along with
Gandhi and Nehru, a founder of modern India.
Ambedkarism refers to the ideology of the Dalit
(formerly called “untouchables”).
Smith’s article, “The Dalit Movement
Meets the Social Forum: A Global Struggle for Social
Justice and Human Rights,” will be included in
A Handbook of the World Social Forums,
edited by Jackie Smith, Scott Byrd, Ellen Reese and
Elizabeth Smythe, to be published in S eptember by
Paradigm Press
Dr. Jay Smith
(left) receives a plaque from the Chetna Association
of Canada.
|
