AIISCA's Savitribai Phule Resource Centre: A Safe, Inclusive Hub for Marginalized Communities to Access Education

Nagpur, Maharashtra: In a significant step towards reviving Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision for educational equality and social empowerment, the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) is set to inaugurate the Savitribai Phule Resource Centre (SRC) in Nagpur. Scheduled for November 17, this initiative is part of the larger Shiksha Samata Andolan, a movement aimed at addressing educational inequalities and empowering marginalized communities across India.

Inspired by Savitribai Phule, a trailblazer in the field of women’s education and social reform, the Savitribai Phule Resource Centre will serve as a beacon of hope for underprivileged and oppressed communities. The centre will provide crucial resources and support aimed at breaking down systemic barriers that have hindered the educational and social mobility of marginalized groups.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a visionary leader and the architect of the Indian Constitution, believed that true independence for marginalized communities could only be achieved through education and economic empowerment. He advocated for autonomous institutions that would help these communities gain the skills and resources necessary to build their own futures. However, in the decades following his passing, this aspect of his mission has been largely neglected, and the institutions he established have struggled to sustain themselves.

The AIISCA, under the banner of the Shiksha Samata Andolan, is now stepping in to reignite Ambedkar’s dream of self-reliance and educational empowerment for marginalized communities. The launch of the Savitribai Phule Resource Centre in Nagpur is a pivotal moment in this movement, aiming to provide the tools and opportunities necessary to unlock the potential of those who have been left behind.

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Deepali Salve, AIISCA Maharashtra State General Secretary. shared details about the ambitious project.

The SRC will be a safe, inclusive space where individuals from marginalized communities can access educational tools, resources, and mentorship to advance their careers and education. In line with Ambedkar’s ideology, the centre will focus on social justice, community engagement, and educational empowerment. It will work towards dismantling the systemic barriers that have long deprived marginalized groups of quality education.

“The Savitribai Phule Resource Centre is more than just a building,” Deepali stated. “It is a movement—one that will empower the communities that have been systematically oppressed for generations. It will give everyone, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, the opportunity to access education and opportunities that have long been denied to them.”

How the Savitribai Phule Resource Centre Will Help

The Savitribai Phule Resource Centre will focus on five key areas that directly impact the educational and social mobility of marginalized communities:

1. Educational Tools and Resources: The SRC will provide students from marginalized communities with access to books, digital learning materials, and modern technology to help them succeed in their studies.

2. Safe Spaces for Learning: The centre will create safe, discrimination-free environments for students to focus on their education and personal development.

3. Mentorship and Career Guidance: The SRC will facilitate mentorship programs, connecting students with professionals who can guide them toward educational and career paths they may not have considered before.

4. Preparing Students for Higher Education: Specialized programs will be set up to help students from marginalized communities gain admission to premier national and international universities. The SRC will equip students with the skills and resources needed to excel in higher education institutions both in India and abroad.

5. Community Empowerment: Beyond academics, the centre will foster community engagement, advocacy, and social reform. It will serve as a hub for marginalized individuals to come together, share experiences, and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

AIISCA is calling on all Ambedkarites, social justice advocates, and supporters of equality to contribute to the Shiksha Samata Andolan and help establish the Savitribai Phule Resource Centre.