Navi Mumbai News: NMMC Signs MoU With Mumbai University To Launch 'Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Thoughts' Diploma Course At Airoli Memorial From July 1

Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Mumbai to launch a one-year post-graduate diploma course titled ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Thoughts’.

The course will commence from July 1, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial in Airoli, Sector 15. The MoU was formally signed on Thursday, at the University of Mumbai auditorium by NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde and University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ravindra Kulkarni.

“This initiative aims to transform the memorial into a center for academic learning and public engagement, building on its growing reputation as a ‘Knowledge Memorial’,” said Dr. Kailas Shinde, NMMC Commissioner.

Admissions for the diploma course will be available through the University of Mumbai’s official website. Students will have the option to select to attend sessions either at the university campus or at the Airoli memorial. While Mumbai University has been offering this course for several years, this marks the first time the program will be made available in Navi Mumbai.

“The launch of this academic program not only broadens educational opportunities for post-graduate students but also strengthens the role of the memorial as a living tribute to Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy,” said Deputy Municipal Commissioner and Head of the Memorial, Sangharatna Khillare.

Additional courses, including those on Social Justice and Pali Language, is informed to be introduced at the memorial. " There are plans to establish a dedicated research center at the Airoli site in collaboration with the university," said the Vice chancellor Kulkarni.

Over the past three years, NMMC through extensive print and digital resources and developed the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial into an academic hub. Municipal Commissioner emphasized that the new diploma is part of a larger vision to make the memorial more inclusive and accessible. "upcoming plans includes to organize initiatives focusing on social justice, women’s empowerment, labor rights, and child welfare," he said.