69th Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. Ambedkar | 06 Dec 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Recently, 69^th Mahaparinirvan Diwas was observed on December 6 to commemorate the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a stalwart for social justice.  

• Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, honors his legacy, emphasizing his transformative impact on social reform, justice, and equality. 
• The term "Mahaparinirvan" stems from Buddhist philosophy, symbolizing liberation from the cycle of birth and death, marking the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. 

What was Dr. Ambedkar's Advocacy for Social Justice? 

• Champion of the Oppressed: Dr. Ambedkar emerged as a beacon of hope for Dalits, women, and laborers, dedicating his life to eradicating caste-based discrimination and ensuring social equality.  
  • His advocacy extended to dismantling systemic barriers and empowering the marginalized. 
• Empowerment Initiatives: Dr. Ambedkar advocated for affirmative action to uplift marginalized groups through policies like reservations in education, employment, and politics to address historical injustices faced by marginalized groups. 
  • Reservation, under Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 334, ensures representation for marginalized groups in education, public employment, legislative bodies and elections. 
  • Founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923) to promote education, improve socio-economic conditions, and empower outcast communities. 
• Voice for the Downtrodden: Established the newspaper Mooknayaka (Leader of the Silent) to provide a platform for the oppressed and challenge societal inequalities. 
• Pioneering Movements: Spearheaded landmark movements, including the Mahad Satyagraha (1927), advocating for equal access to public water resources. 
  • Led the Kalaram Temple entry movement 1930 (Nashik Satyagraha) to break caste-based restrictions in places of worship, symbolising a broader fight against untouchability. 
• Poona Pact (1932): Played a pivotal role in negotiating the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates for Dalits with reserved seats, paving the way for their political representation. 

What was the Contribution of Dr. Ambedkar in Constitution Making? 

• Chairman of the Drafting Committee: As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee appointed in 1947, Dr. Ambedkar oversaw the meticulous process of crafting the world’s largest written Constitution.  
  • Despite diverse opinions and challenges, he ensured that the Constitution was adopted in 1949 with provisions to protect the rights of all citizens. 
• Fundamental Rights: Dr. Ambedkar played a key role in drafting Part III of the Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights such as equality before law, protection against discrimination (Articles 15, 17), and safeguards for minorities.  
  • Provisions for reservations in education and employment (Articles 15[4], 16[4]) aim to uplift marginalized communities and ensure equality, forming the backbone of India’s commitment to social justice and individual liberty. 
• Article 32: Termed as the "soul of the Constitution", Article 32 empowers citizens to approach the Supreme Court/ High Court for enforcement of fundamental rights.  
  • He emphasized its centrality in protecting constitutional guarantees. 
• Parliamentary Democracy: Advocated for the parliamentary form of government, which he believed fostered accountability, transparency, and social democracy.  
  • This system was designed to uphold egalitarian principles and address the nation’s diverse needs. 
• Federal Structure: Conceptualized a dual polity, balancing powers between the central and state governments.  
  • This framework was designed to adapt to the unique socio-political dynamics of India, ensuring both unity and flexibility. 
• Directive Principles of State Policy: Envisioned the Directive Principles as a guide for creating a welfare state, promoting goals like social security, gender equality, and better living standards. 
  • Although non-justiciable, these principles remain integral to policymaking in India. 

What were the Contributions of Dr Ambedkar in Nation Building? 

• Economic Framework: Dr. Ambedkar’s academic contributions laid the foundation for several economic institutions.  
  • His doctoral thesis influenced the creation of the Finance Commission of India and the policy framework for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934. 
• Infrastructure Vision: Envisioned and promoted large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Damodar Valley Project, Hirakud Dam, and Sone River Project, ensuring sustainable resource management and national development. 
  • Conceptualized the National Power Grid System, demonstrating foresight in energy security and industrial growth. 
• Employment Reforms: Founded Employment Exchanges to streamline job placement systems, providing systematic employment opportunities across the country. 
• Social and Economic Justice: Advocated for bridging economic disparities through inclusive policies and championed the integration of social justice into governance structures to empower marginalized communities.