A Non-Brahmin's Perspective of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Non- Brahmin perspective of Dr.BR. Ambedkar
Introduction:
“My social philosophy may be said to be enshrined in three words: liberty, equality and fraternity. My philosophy has roots in religion and not in political science. I have derived them from the teachings of my master, the Buddha.” – Dr. B.R.Ambedkar.
Ambedkar was both a prolific writer and an avid reader and it was the ideas of Buddha, Saint Kabir, Jyoitba Phule and John Dewey that deeply influenced his thinking. It was Buddha’s realist conception of the world that became central to Ambedkar’s worldview. For when he was asked what the most fundamental thing in life was, Buddha said “Sabbe Satta Ahartthika” i.e. all beings depend on food. Not surprisingly, Ambedkar committed himself to the betterment of the material conditions of the Dalits.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar left an indelible mark on Indian polity, society and economy with a broad range of scholarly work and rigorous political activism. While much is known, heard and written about his political, social and economic writings, there has been relatively less of an attempt at understanding the philosophical underpinnings and theoretical origins of his worldview.
His worldview was informed by not only a scholarly interest but a personal experience of discrimination and marginalization. The deep sense of injustice felt by him motivated Dr. Ambedkar to challenge all oppressive institutions of society. Throughout his life he was passionately critical of the Hindu caste system which was the basis of social, cultural, economic and political subjugation of those considered “lower castes”. In his struggle against caste based discrimination, Ambedkar held that emancipation of Dalits in India was possible only through the three-pronged approach of “education, agitation and organization”. His works are deeply embedded in a secular and modern understanding of human society. Moreover, they are also impressed by a strong sense of humanism and a belief in human
Introduction:
“My social philosophy may be said to be enshrined in three words: liberty, equality and fraternity. My philosophy has roots in religion and not in political science. I have derived them from the teachings of my master, the Buddha.” – Dr. B.R.Ambedkar.
Ambedkar was both a prolific writer and an avid reader and it was the ideas of Buddha, Saint Kabir, Jyoitba Phule and John Dewey that deeply influenced his thinking. It was Buddha’s realist conception of the world that became central to Ambedkar’s worldview. For when he was asked what the most fundamental thing in life was, Buddha said “Sabbe Satta Ahartthika” i.e. all beings depend on food. Not surprisingly, Ambedkar committed himself to the betterment of the material conditions of the Dalits.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar left an indelible mark on Indian polity, society and economy with a broad range of scholarly work and rigorous political activism. While much is known, heard and written about his political, social and economic writings, there has been relatively less of an attempt at understanding the philosophical underpinnings and theoretical origins of his worldview.
His worldview was informed by not only a scholarly interest but a personal experience of discrimination and marginalization. The deep sense of injustice felt by him motivated Dr. Ambedkar to challenge all oppressive institutions of society. Throughout his life he was passionately critical of the Hindu caste system which was the basis of social, cultural, economic and political subjugation of those considered “lower castes”. In his struggle against caste based discrimination, Ambedkar held that emancipation of Dalits in India was possible only through the three-pronged approach of “education, agitation and organization”. His works are deeply embedded in a secular and modern understanding of human society. Moreover, they are also impressed by a strong sense of humanism and a belief in human