Perspective: The Legacy of Baba Saheb Ambedkar | 12 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

As India commemorates the 69th Mahaparinirvan Divas on 6th December 2024, marking the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, it is crucial to adopt Ambedkar's philosophy in education, social justice, and governance to achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. 

What are Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Contributions? 

• Social Reforms and Eradication of Caste Discrimination: 
  • Dr. Ambedkar dedicated his life to eradicating caste-based discrimination and untouchability in India. 
  • His struggle included significant movements like the Mahad Satyagraha (1927) for accessing public water and the Kalaram Temple Entry Movement (1930) advocating equal participation in religious practices. 
• Constitutional Architect: 
  • As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar ensured that it became a transformative and progressive document, advocating for equality, justice, and fraternity. 
  • The Constitution granted universal adult suffrage, giving Indian women equal voting rights from the start, unlike many older democracies such as the US, the UK, and France. 
• Advocate for Women's Rights: 
  • Dr. Ambedkar championed women's emancipation, advocating for maternity benefits and equal rights. 
  • He is considered a pioneer in feminism in India, as he scientifically addressed women's issues and incorporated their rights into the Constitution. 
• Economic Visionary: 
  • Dr. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in setting up institutions like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Water Management Authority, contributing to India's economic and infrastructural development. 
• Education and Empowerment: 
  • A firm believer in education as a tool for liberation, Dr. Ambedkar pursued higher studies at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and the London School of Economics despite facing severe discrimination. 
  • His emphasis on education as a means of self and societal upliftment remains a guiding principle for contemporary India. 
• 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.  
• Global Relevance of Teachings: 
  • Dr. Ambedkar’s teachings on labor laws, gender equality, and the use of constitutional means to address conflicts have universal applicability. 
  • His Buddhist philosophy and emphasis on social harmony make his ideas relevant to addressing global socio-political challenges. 

What are the Challenges in Realizing Ambedkar’s Vision? 

• Educational Disparities: Access to quality education remains unequal, with economically and socially weaker sections of society often excluded from the mainstream system. 
• Gender Inequality: While strides have been made, gender discrimination and violence against women still demand urgent attention. 
• Prevalence of Caste System: Despite constitutional provisions, caste-based discrimination continues in various forms, including untouchability, social exclusion, and violence against Dalits and marginalized groups.  
• Socioeconomic Inequalities: Bridging the gap between affluent and marginalized communities requires sustained efforts and policy interventions. 
• Lack of Awareness of Rights: Many individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds remain unaware of their constitutional rights and entitlements. 
• Slow Progress in Mindset Change: Changing deep-seated social attitudes and dismantling entrenched hierarchies remains a generational challenge. 

Way Forward 

• Role of Education: 
  • Ensuring equitable access to quality education for all, particularly marginalized sections, remains essential. Teachers and academic institutions must take proactive steps to integrate his teachings into curricula and inspire students with his story of overcoming adversity. 
• Social and Economic Reforms: 
  • Ambedkar’s vision of a casteless, egalitarian society is still a work in progress. Initiatives to eradicate caste-based discrimination, improve the representation of marginalized communities, and promote equal opportunities in employment and education are vital. 
• Accelerating Mindset Change: 
  • Foster dialogue through grassroots movements, media campaigns, and educational content to challenge entrenched hierarchies and prejudices. 
  • Leverage cultural tools like storytelling, art, and social media to address stereotypes and promote inclusivity. Encourage inter-community collaboration and shared platforms to build trust and understanding across social divides. 
• Role of Stakeholders: 
  • Civil society organisations, government institutions, and corporate entities all have a part to play in propagating his legacy.  
  • Public-private partnerships can foster initiatives like scholarships for underprivileged students, community development programs, and awareness campaigns about social justice and constitutional rights.