Minster of Road Transport & Highways,
Govt. of India
Shri Nitin Gadkari is a prominent Indian politician and the incumbent
Minister of Road Transport and Highways in the Government of India. Renowned for his
futuristic approach and policies, he has played an instrumental role in the
development and modernization of India's transportation infrastructure.
Known for his candid conversations and friendship across party lines,
Shri Nitin Gadkari will interact with students and deliver the convocation speech
on the occasion.
Vaman Tabaji Kardak, popularly known as Vamandada Kardak, was a
prominent poet and playwright from Maharashtra. A staunch follower of Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar and a Dalit activist, he played an important role in the Ambedkarite
movement for a just and equitable society through his writings. He wrote over 10,000
songs on Babasaheb and has a large literary collection to his name including four
poetry collections, an autobiography, numerous film songs and plays. Through his
powerful yet simplistic writing, Vamandada took the teachings of Dr. Ambedkar to the
remotest nooks and corners of Maharashtra.
One of the most important figures in Dalit literature, Vaman Dada spent his entire
life spreading the thoughts of Buddha, Mahatma Phule and Dr. Ambedkar. His literary
work has had a profound impact on the Ambedkarite movement inspiring generations of
people to fight for their rights and dignity. It is our honour to confer the
Honorary Doctor of Literature (D. Litt.) on him.