Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism with more than five lac followers on 14th October 1956, on the eve of Ashoka Vijaya Dashami at this Holy place. To study, research and propagate Buddha’s teaching to their followers Param Pujjya Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti, Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, established the department of Pali–Prakrit in 1964.
Pali literature fetches a significant place in Indian literature. It is one of the most ancient, more than 2500 years old literary script that represents India with all its cultural diversity. Pali was used for communication among masses then and The Buddha had its sermons and teachings of Dhamma through Pali language.
Bahujan Hiyay-bahujan Sukhay’ was the message given in Pali by The Buddha that has global significance and relevance today. The Buddha preached truths of human life and course of human welfare through Pali, his journey from attaining enlightenment to mahaparinirvana is contained in this language and literature.
Pali literature is also significant for another reason and that is the actual propagation of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Earlier it was the practice of deciding an individual’s status on the caste/clan he was born in and he would be considered higher in social status even after his conduct would be inconsistent with moral virtues. But with teachings of The Buddha, higher social status would be seen only after the best conduct and best practices that shall enrich the social life for all. Karma would be the factor to decide what was best and worst of social status for an individual. It was accepted and upheld by all then and thus the world-wide spread and propagation of Dhamma occurred.
Dhamma-the Buddhist way of life was rejuvenated by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Constitution of India in the 20th century. He accepted Dhamma in Nagpur on 14th October 1956 at this place, since then known as Deekshabhoomi. To commemorate his contribution to education and academics to almost every branch of human existence on the earth, Dr.Ambedkar College was started by Param Poojya Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti in 1964.
Teaching of Pali Literature began in the same year and now it has been 51 years that the department is flourishing with all its facets. This department has a segmental significance and glory in this college. The department has been performing noble duties of spreading the teachings and philosophy of The Buddha and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to everyone associated with this branch of academics.
