Jai Bhim Saptaha

A blood donation drive was organized in collaboration with Blood Connect and the National Service Scheme (NSS). The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, staff, and faculty members, with over 220 individuals donating blood. The drive aimed not only to contribute to a lifesaving cause but also to promote the values of compassion, social responsibility, and community service inspired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s legacy.

A special initiative was undertaken to print and distribute copies of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, reaffirming its values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Over 250 people, including IIT Delhi Director Prof Banerjee, participated in "Print Your Preamble," creating their own copies of India's constitutional preamble- a symbolic act of reclaiming constitutional values. Alongside this, an inspiring exhibition on the Founding Mothers of the Indian Constitution was organized, highlighting the contributions of women leaders who were part of the drafting committee of the Indian Constitution. While "Ambedkar-in-a-word" invited personal reflections on Dr. Ambedkar's legacy and its meaning in everyday life.

As a part of Jai Bhim Saptaha, special screenings of films and documentaries were organized around the themes of caste, mental health, and social justice, offering powerful visual narratives that provoke reflection and dialogue. Notable screenings included Chaityabhumi, Kaala, Jai Bhim, and Wounds of Pyre. Chaityabhumi and Wounds of Pyre were screened in the presence of the filmmakers themselves, adding depth and immediacy to the experience. Somnath Waghmare, a prominent anti-caste filmmaker known for his work documenting Dalit movements and resistance through visual media, joined the screenings and shared his insights. The screening was followed by an engaging discussion with the directors moderated by Dhrubo Jyoti, Senior Editor at Hindustan Times and a leading anti-caste journalist, who offered sharp reflections on the intersections of media, memory, and caste politics. The film Wounds of Pyre- Inside the minds of cremation workers, directed by Babita Gautam and Sahil Walmiki, presents a moving portrayal of the lives, struggles, and resilience of cremation workers, highlighting the mental health issues associated with caste-based occupations and inequalities woven into their everyday existence. Popular films like Kaala and Jai Bhim further explored themes of marginalization, resistance, and the pursuit of justice—giving space to the aspirations of the oppressed and the fight for dignity and rights. These screenings were met with vibrant audience engagement, affirming the power of cinema as a tool for social awareness and transformation.

“Hear Me Roar” sessions to support students from marginalised communities in academic settings. An interactive workshop titled ‘Hear Me Roar: Academic Achievement and Building Confidence through English’ was conducted on 13th April 2025. The workshop aimed to empower students from marginalized communities by addressing the barriers they often face in academic spaces due to language hierarchies and confidence gaps.

As part of Jai Bhim Saptaha, a panel discussion on Caste and Mental Health was held, featuring Prof. Santosh Chaturvedi (NIMHANS), Dr. Vaishali Sonavane (Mariwala Health Initiative), and Divya Kandukuri (journalist and founder, The Blue Dawn). The session was chaired by Prof. Yashpal Jogdand (Faculty Advisor, ICE, IIT Delhi), bringing together insights from psychiatry, activism, and community mental health.A Caste Sensitization Workshop was also held in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS). The workshop focused on caste as a structural reality and explored strategies for fostering inclusive and equitable spaces.

As part of Jai Bhim Saptaha, an art exhibition on Ambedkarite themes, everyday resistance, and Dalit identity featured the striking Madhubani anti-caste paintings of renowned artist Malvika Raaj. The exhibition invited reflection on caste, aesthetics, and representation—offering a powerful tribute to dignity, defiance, and cultural transformation.A shadow puppet show titled Kahani Pani Ki – Politics of Thirst, inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s autobiographical account Waiting for a Visa, was also performed. The show featured a diverse group of artists, including Smita Rajmane (Shiv Nadar University), Hanumantu Sinde and Ganapathi Sinde (Leather Painting Artists), Uma Y G (Singer), and Akash Kumar, Umesh Kumar, Anand Kumar, and Shahadutt (Shadow Puppet Artists). The performance powerfully illustrated the intersections of caste, water, and dignity through visual storytelling and music.

As part of Jai Bhim Saptaha, a Book Fair was organized, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, staff, and visitors. Reflecting the anti-caste movement’s deep commitment to learning and intellectual growth, the fair featured 10 stalls offering a wide selection of books on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s writings, anti-caste thought, Indian social history, and contemporary social justice movements. Over 300 books were sold in a single day, highlighting the community’s engagement with ideas that inspire critical thinking and social transformation.

Jai Bhim Saptaha at IIT Delhi culminated in the Dignity March, a powerful and emotionally resonant demonstration of collective solidarity. Students, faculty, staff, and allies walked together in a symbolic act of unity, raising awareness about the lived experiences and struggles of the SC/ST community, and reaffirming a shared commitment to equality, dignity, and social justice.

Blood Donation Drive