HYDERABAD: In a strong clarion call to the younger generation, the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) has passed a pivotal resolution urging Backward Class (BC) Generation Z to unite and democratically defeat forces opposing reservation and social justice.

The resolution was adopted during the association's 7th National Convention, held at the Savitribai Phule Auditorium at the University of Hyderabad on August 7.

The convention marked a historic triple commemoration. Attendees gathered to honor the 200th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, celebrate 36 Years of Mandal Diwas, and mark the seventh milestone of the AIOBCSA itself. Students and research scholars from various universities participated in the event to deliberate on pressing social justice issues.

Addressing the gathering, AIOBCSA National President Dr. Gowd Kiran Kumar emphasized that affirmative action is a constitutional instrument meant to ensure equal opportunities, not an act of charity or concession. He noted that the legacy of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and the Mandal Commission recommendations represent monumental milestones in India’s pursuit of equality.

Dr. Kumar warned that anti-reservation factions are actively spreading misinformation to weaken the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and marginalized communities. He stressed the urgent need for BC GenZ to understand the rich history of the social justice movement and actively defend constitutional values.

He further urged the youth to strengthen ongoing movements demanding a caste census, proportionate representation, quality education, and the strict implementation of reservation policies.

The convention paid rich tributes to the architects of the social justice movement, including Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, and B.P. Mandal. The gathering also recognized the pivotal political contributions of V.P. Singh, Kanshi Ram, Sharad Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Ram Vilas Paswan, and Lalu Prasad Yadav in securing greater representation for backward classes in education and employment.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests who echoed the continuing relevance of Phule’s vision and the transformative impact of the Mandal Movement.

Prominent dignitaries included Dr. Suraj Yadav Mandal, grandson of B.P. Mandal and Delhi University Associate Professor, former MLA Anil Eravathri, BCYP National President Bode Ramachandra Yadav, former DGP and All India BSP Coordinator Dr. J. Purnachandra Rao, BC Intellectual Forum Chairperson T. Chireenjivulu, OBC Rights Party Leader Rathna Sabapathi, and University of Hyderabad Professor Pillamari Ramulu.

The speakers collectively emphasized the critical need for a united struggle to safeguard constitutional democracy. The national convention concluded with a solemn collective pledge to carry forward the foundational ideals of the Mandal Movement, aiming to build a stronger, inclusive, and equitable India for future generations.