Western Sydney University’s School of Law turns 21 and receives a gift celebrating India’s most revered social justice lawyer

Western Sydney University has unveiled a bust of inspirational Indian social rights lawyer and politician Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar to celebrate the School of Law's 21^st birthday.

Donated by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, the bust of Dr Ambedkar has been installed at the School of Law's Moot Court at the University's Parramatta campus.

An Indian jurist, politician and social reformer, Dr Ambedkar campaigned tirelessly to eradicate social discrimination against women and the untouchables (Dalits).

He was elected as independent India's first Law Minister, and was instrumental in drafting the country's new constitution, which provided constitutional guarantees and protections for a wide range of civil liberties.

The bust, by sculptor Gautam Pal, was unveiled at a special ceremony attended by Mr Navdeep Suri, the High Commissioner of India to Australia, Indian Consul-General B Vanlalvawna, along with dignitaries from the Indian community in Australia, Western Sydney University senior executives and School of Law staff and students.

The Dean of the School of Law, Professor Michael Adams, says the work will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of legal experts studying at Western Sydney University.

"This year, the School of Law, officially visited a number of Indian universities and hope to build stronger relationships. The generous gift of the bust of Dr Ambedkar reflects the closer connection between our communities," says Professor Adams.

"We are planning a symposium with the National Law Institute in Bhopal in 2017, and this is one more step in the development of our relationship."

Ends

15 July 2016

Media Unit