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Bhimrao Ambedkar
Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, often called Baba Saheb Ambedkar, was an eminent Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building. Born on 14 April 1891 into an oppressed Dalit family in Maharashtra, he faced systemic caste-based discrimination, which profoundly influenced his life’s mission to fight for social justice and equality.
Contributions towards Social Reforms in India’s Freedom Movement:
- Champion of Dalit Rights: Ambedkar was a staunch advocate for the rights of the oppressed castes, especially the Dalits (then referred to as “Untouchables“). He founded organisations such as the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha (1924) to promote their socio-economic and educational advancement.
- Demand for Separate Electorates: Ambedkar pushed for separate electorates for Dalits to ensure their political representation, which led to the historic Poona Pact of 1932 with Mahatma Gandhi. While he had to compromise on separate electorates, the pact ensured reserved seats for Dalits in legislative bodies.
- Architect of the Indian Constitution: As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ambedkar was instrumental in shaping the Constitution of India, embedding provisions to abolish untouchability (Article 17) and guaranteeing equality and fundamental rights irrespective of caste, creed, or gender.
- Social Reforms through Education and Law: Believing education to be the key to empowerment, Ambedkar emphasised the importance of literacy among marginalised communities. His legal acumen facilitated critical reforms aimed at abolishing caste-based inequalities.
- Temple Entry Movements: He led movements such as the Mahad Satyagraha (1927), where he demanded the right for Dalits to access public water tanks, and the Kalaram Temple Entry Movement to assert Dalit rights to worship.
Differences Between Gandhi and Ambedkar on Class and Social Hierarchy:
- Caste System: Gandhi believed in reforming the caste system and saw the varna system (division of labour) as inherently beneficial if practised without discrimination. He called the Dalits “Harijans” (children of God) and worked for their upliftment within the framework of Hindu society. Ambedkar, on the other hand, rejected the caste system entirely, viewing it as an oppressive structure that could not be reformed. He advocated for the annihilation of caste and embraced Buddhism in 1956 as an alternative to Hindu orthodoxy.
- Strategies for Dalit Emancipation: Gandhi sought social reform through moral persuasion and appealed to upper-caste Hindus to abandon discriminatory practices. Ambedkar believed in a more radical and institutional approach, focusing on legal safeguards and political representation for Dalits.
- Approach to Religion: Gandhi’s approach was rooted in Hinduism, aiming to reinterpret it in a way that included Dalits. Ambedkar viewed Hinduism as inherently hierarchical and opted for Buddhism, which he saw as egalitarian.
Literary Contributions of Ambedkar:
- Annihilation of Caste (1936): A revolutionary text, this critique of the caste system called for its total eradication. It was a direct challenge to Hindu orthodoxy and remained a foundational text for anti-caste movements.
- The Buddha and His Dhamma (1957): Ambedkar’s interpretation of Buddhist philosophy highlighted its relevance as a social and moral guide against inequality and oppression. This text served as the doctrinal foundation for the Dalit Buddhist movement.
- Thoughts on Linguistic States (1955): He advocated for the reorganisation of states along linguistic lines to enhance administrative efficiency and cultural identity, anticipating post-independence political debates.
- Who Were the Shudras? (1946): This historical analysis traced the origins of the Shudras in the varna system, asserting that they were originally a warrior community subjugated by the Brahmins.
- The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Solution (1923): This economic treatise, based on his doctoral thesis, examined India’s currency system and influenced the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India.
