Estd: March 2018 ISSN: 2581-6675

Impact Factor: RIF 1.886

Praxis International Journal

of
Social Science and Literature
(A Monthly Research Journal Published in English, Hindi, Urdu and Sanskrit)

Peer Reviewed Journal, Refereed Journal, Indexed Journal, Online Journal

Vol - 2 Issue - 4 April - 2019 .

Special Issue
Focused on Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar

Guest Editor
Dr. Sunil Kumar Suman

Editor
Anish Kumar

Website: www.pijssl.com Email: editor.pijssl@gmail.com

Praxis International Journal of Social Science and Literature [Vol-2, Issue-4, April-2019] Page 29
 Praxis International Journal of Social Science and Literature
Impact Factor: RIF 1.886 ISSN: 2581-6675
Vol - 2, Issue - 4, April - 2019
Website: www.pijssl.com, Email: editor.pijssl@gmail.com

Inspiration of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat,
Research Scholar,
Department of Political Science,
University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
E-mail: bhatmukhtar325@gmail.com

Abstract

Dr. B.R. Ambedakar, affectionately known as Babasaheb, was born in a community which suffered
oppression for centuries. He was a great intellectual, an iconoclast, a social reformer and a revolutionist. His
life, struggle and mission are quite motivational and inspirational for the deprived class. He led a number of
movements against inequalities in the society. He labored to eliminate the social evils like untouchability,
caste boundaries and he worked for the upliftment of women among others. He was a fighter for the dignity
of mankind and the saviours of the deprived class. Deprived classes like Dalits, untouchables, women etc.
drew their inspiration from Ambedkar‟s writings, speeches and his movements. He was opposed to the
theory of caste based superiority and social discriminations. He made a path for legal rights by enacting the
laws in connection with progress of the deprived class which could positively change their lives. He
dedicated his whole life for the upliftment of the deprived class. He remained a sole inspiration for the
millions of Indians. In this research paper, it is attempted to examine Ambedkar‟s life, his writings and his
struggle for the upliftment of the deprived class for which he remained the sole and everlasting inspiration
for the oppressed people. Both primary and secondary sources of data are used for writing of this paper.

Keywords: Iconoclast, Revolutionist, Inspiration, Untouchability, Dalits, Discrimination.

Introduction

Dr. B.R. Ambedakar was born in an untouchable community on 14 thapril 1891. The life of
Ambedkar is a story of struggle of an untouchable who is revered for his determinant social commitment
towards bettering the lives of socially degraded masses in Indian social order. He remained in the forefront
of all social, economic, political and religious efforts for the upliftment of the lowest stratum of the Indian
society known as untouchables, women and other backward classes. He crusaded for the betterment of the
oppressed and depressed class. His life and dedication for social cause had been an inspiration for
generations during and after his life. He said, I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality, and fraternity
which inspired millions of Indian people. So his writings and speeches will remain the ultimate source of
inspiration for all people especially for the oppressed class.

Methodology

The present study on „Inspiration of Dr. B R Ambedkar‟ is based on descriptive as well as analytical
method. This research is based on a good deal of primary and secondary sources that are available. Dr. B R

Praxis International Journal of Social Science and Literature [Vol-2, Issue-4, April-2019] Page 30
Ambedkar‟s writings of „Annihilation of caste‟ (1935); „Mr. Gandhi and the emancipation of the
untouchables‟ (1942); „What Congress and Gandhi have done to the untouchables‟ (1945); „The
Untouchables‟ (1948), and a diverse collection of secondary sources like articles of research journals,
working papers and books of famous philosophers were also consulted for the study.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: An eradicator of social evils

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was undoubtedly one of the chief architects of the Indian Constitution. He did
not remain content only with writing. He was a social rebel who raised the banner of revolt against the
iniquitous caste-ridden society. As a rationalist he never encouraged any personality cult. He was an
iconoclast who demolished the clay-footed idols that were built on the unstable foundations of blind worship
and superstition. Ambedkar took up the arduous task of awakening the conscience of the downtrodden
sections of the society like the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Even among the sections of the
Scheduled Castes there was a fatalist outlook even if they were the victims of social inequality and tyranny.
They accepted the explanation that their suffering was because of the sins of their ancestors, and if they
suffer in silence without any grudge, in the spirit of atonement for the past sins, at least after their death they
would be liberated in their next life after rebirth. Dr. Ambedkar roused their frozen conscience and brought
new consciousness among them. He asked them to forget all about the fictitious „sins' of their ancestors and
strongly pleaded with them not to wait for their fictitious rebirth for the alleviation of their sufferings. He
urged them that their social liberation must be ensured in this very life and that too as their legitimate right
as free citizens. Many orthodox elements were greatly disturbed when Dr. Ambedkar publicly declared his
intention to bum Manusmriti. He did not believe in merely propagating his progressive views regarding
eradication of untouchability. He tried to back his professions by resolute action. As a token of revolt against
the injustice perpetrated on 'untouchables', Dr. Ambedkar organized a conference of his Scheduled Caste
followers at Mahad in Maharashtra in February 1927 and he led them to the Chawdar Tank exclusively
reserved for the caste Hindus and made them drink water from the tank to proclaim their right to equality.
This momentous Satyagraha brought a new wave of awakening among the poor Scheduled Caste villagers
drawn from different parts of Maharashtra.

Dr. Ambedkar's approach to the caste problem in India was most radical. It was forcefully and
rationally expressed in his monumental work 'Annihilation of Caste'. Dr. Ambedkar‟s life-long dream of
ensuring social liberation of the oppressed and the downtrodden is yet to be translated into reality, which
remained everlasting inspiration for the untouchables.

Dr. B R Ambedkar; an epitome of inspiration

Dr. B R Ambedkar has created a unique place for himself in the history of India by the‟ sheer dint of
his scholarly brilliance, untiring zeal and tenacious efforts for the upliftment of the downtrodden. He stood
for all political, social and cultural activities which increased the cause of human progress and happiness.
The events that have occurred in his life had motivated his thoughts and actions towards progress and
upliftment of his people and country. Dr. Ambedkar was very dear to people‟s heart, as we know his own
achievements in the field of learning are the source of pride, prestige and inspiration for all. In the Kanpur
Session of the All India Scheduled Castes Federation in March, 1944, he said: "Attempts to uplift my
community rather than win the Swaraj for the nation is my goal." Later, he categorically declared: It is my
solemn view to die in the service and cause of those downtrodden people among whom I was born, I was
brought up and I am living. His social thought was thus dominated by his urge to lift the „untouchable'
community, and break the shackles of casteism and Brahmanism. He is naturally, therefore, looked upon as

Praxis International Journal of Social Science and Literature [Vol-2, Issue-4, April-2019] Page 31
a great emancipator of those who had been suppressed for centuries. Dr. Ambedkar‟s social thinking was a
result of his total dissatisfaction with the humiliating treatment meted out to the members of his community
by the so-called higher caste Hindus. His philosophy, therefore, had the objectives of the attainment of
social amelioration, political enlightenment, and spiritual awakening for his community. Due importance to
the economic well-being of the masses was essential for this. To him, political thought embodied a social
dynamism with equal rights for men and women. His deep faith in Fundamental Rights, the dignity of the
individual, social and economic justice, the promotion of social progress, and better standards of life with
peace and security in all spheres of human life enriched his political philosophy. Dr. Ambedkar‟s role as a
saviour of the weaker sections of the society is no less than that of any reformer of the Hindu religion
throughout the centuries. He doggedly fought against the two principal inhuman malpractices in the Hindu
Society: untouchability and casteism. Dr. Ambedkar had himself seen and experienced the treatment meted
out to the Depressed Classes by the higher sections of the society who had monopolized and wielded all the
powers and positions. He thus came to the conclusion that the problem of untouchability and casteism could
not be solved without economic reconstruction. He held that the caste system must be eliminated because it
was inhuman and detrimental to the upward march of the 'untouchables'. All his efforts were, therefore,
directed towards removal of the social disabilities that became associated with them through provision of
education and opportunities for economic progress. He also realized in the beginning of his career that the
lot of the downtrodden could not be improved without providing them a share in the political power. He did
not visualize education merely as a means of livelihood but as a powerful weapon to liberate the Dalits from
ignorance and to strengthen their fight against injustice and humiliation. He considered education as a
prerequisite for any kind of organization and movement of Dalits. In this context, his popular slogan
“Educate- Agitate- Organise!‟ becomes significant. Dr. Ambedkar forcefully advocated for according an
independent status to the Scheduled Castes at the Round Table Conference in London in 1930-31 (his
underlying idea being that those who were socially segregated must be politically segregated) and the British
Government had acceded to his demand through the Communal Award. Yet being a true patriot he retraced
his steps and concluded the famous Poona Pact in 1932 with Mahatma Gandhi, voluntarily giving up the
demand for separate electorates.

The Pact was thus the biggest testimony of his patriotism and sagacity. After Independence, Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar became a Member of the Constituent Assembly of India and, as recognition of his
Wisdom and knowledge on constitutional matters, was elected to the Drafting committee and even made its
Chairman. This happening despite persons whose social bearings he had all along opposed, speaks volumes
of the high esteem he was held in by the national leaders who had passed through the fire of the freedom
struggle. In the course of his memorable speech in the Constituent Assembly on 25 November, 1949, he had
said: "I came into the Constituent Assembly with no greater aspiration than to safeguard the interest of the
Scheduled Castes”. His struggle remains a sole and epitome inspiration for the millions of people especially
the deprived class. He is remembered as a messiah of the millions of „untouchables' and other oppressed
sections of society in the country. Omprakash Valmiki quotes the inspiration of Ambedkar on him, and his
writings.

“Dr. Ambedkar‟s life –long struggle had shaken me up. I spent many days and nights in great
turmoil. The restlessness inside me had increased. My stone-like silence had suddenly begun to melt.
I proceeded to read all of Ambedkar‟s books that I found in library. (Jooothan, 72).

Results and discussions

Praxis International Journal of Social Science and Literature [Vol-2, Issue-4, April-2019] Page 32
 So, in this study we find that Dr. B R Ambedkar‟s life and his struggle remained the ultimate source
of inspiration. He argues that without any political rights we might not change the society and gain social
justice for all. The views of Dr. Ambedkar has not been completely fulfilled in practice, but there has been
certain changes that has happened in Indian society. Today Indian society is not the same as it was during
the ancient time. Many changes have taken place and the contribution of Dr. Ambedkar in this regard is
praiseworthy. Some of his ideas are slowly being applied in India, but at the same time caste atrocities have
increased many folds. Even in the twenty first century India is witnessing inequality, injustice, economic
backwardness etc. fuelled by caste discrimination. Caste violence has increased in the recent times.

We also examined the impact of the pioneering works of B R Ambedkar in the field of human
dignity against caste discrimination in India. We also analysed and assessed his legacy and contribution to
India. He eradicated many social evils in the society through constitutional means and therefore he is s social
reformer. His works for the upliftment of the Dalits made him an epitome of the Dalits.

Conclusion

We can say that Dr. B R Ambedkar‟s ideas, writings and outlook could well be characterized as
belonging to that trend of thought called social humanism. He showed the enlightening path for Indian
society via his ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity, and to make India a democratic country. The
downtrodden people of India consider him as an immortal soul whose memory will forever guide the nation
for social justice, liberty and equality. Ambedkar‟s life was a short life and yet a most remarkable one. He
rose up from dust; from being treated worse than an animal to becoming the father of the Indian
Constitution. Dr. Ambedkar was truly a multi-faceted personality. A veritable emancipator of Dalits, a great
national leader and patriot, a great author, a great educationalist, a great political philosopher, a great
religious guide and above all a great humanist without any parallel among his contemporaries. All these
facets of Ambedkar‟s personality had strong humanist underpinnings.

References

1. B.R. Ambedkar, Annihilation of Caste, an undelivered speech written in 1936 by B. R. Ambedkar,

http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/mmt/ambedkar/web/index.html (2015)
2. Joule Nicolas, Learning the use of Symbolic means: Dalits, Ambedkar statues and the state in U.P.,
Contributions to Indian Sociology, 40 (2), 175-207
3. S. Annand (Ed.), Annihilation of Caste: The annotated critical edition, B.R. Ambedkar- Introduced
with the essay „The Doctor and the Saint‟ by Arundhati Roy, Narayana Publishers, New Delhi, 44
(2014)
4. B.R. Ambedkar, What Congress and Gandhi have done to the Untouchables, 135-136 (2008)
5. Meshram, N. G. (1992), Dr. Ambedkar - The Liberator. Dr. Babasaheb B. R. Ambedkar Birth
Centenary Commemoration, Vol. Wadala Dr. Ambedkar College of Commerce & Eco. p. 61.

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