QUES . Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. UPSC MAINS 2015 GS PAPER I
HINTS:
Gandhi, known for his role in India’s independence movement, was also a prominent advocate for social reform and the upliftment of Dalits, the lowest strata of India’s caste system. Dr. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, is also revered as a hero for Dalits.
Must read : Ambedkar vs Gandhi : Caste System and Untouchability
Both Gandhi and Ambedkar had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden but they differed on the issue of untouchability because of their different experiences of the same. Gandhiji was born in a congenial environment. He was looking at untouchability from the religious and spiritual point of view. Ambedkar, on the other hand, had to bear the unbearable pain of caste and humiliation.
Gandhi and the goal of amelioration of downtrodden
One of the key focuses of Gandhi was the abolition of the caste system and the eradication of untouchability, practices that he viewed as morally reprehensible and socially divisive.
Mahatma Gandhi’s views on the caste system and untouchability were complex and evolved over time. While he supported the idea of Varnashrama Dharma (the traditional Hindu division of society into four varnas or classes) in his early years, he vehemently opposed the practice of untouchability, considering it a blight on Hindu society.
Gandhi’s Philosophy and Ideology for Dalits
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and ideology for Dalits were deeply rooted in his broader principles of nonviolence, truth, and social justice. His approach towards Dalit empowerment aimed not only to uplift them but also to transform society’s perception of caste and untouchability.
Gandhi believed that the caste system was fundamentally wrong and that untouchability was a sin that needed to be eradicated. Gandhi’s philosophy emphasized the dignity and equality of all human beings, regardless of caste or social status. Gandhi believed that all individuals, regardless of their caste, were equal in the eyes of God and should be treated with dignity and respect.
Gandhi’s Strategies for Dalit Empowerment
One of Gandhi’s key strategies for Dalit empowerment was the concept of “Sarvodaya,” or the welfare of all. He believed that true progress could only be achieved by uplifting the most marginalized sections
of society, including Dalits.
He advocated for the economic and social empowerment of Dalits through education, vocational training, and economic self-reliance.
Gandhi coined the term “Harijan” to refer to Dalits, meaning “children of God.” He believed that this term would help in removing the stigma associated with untouchability
Gandhi’s Harijan movement was a manifestation of his philosophy in action. Through this movement, he sought to break down the barriers of caste and untouchability by promoting inter-caste dining, temple entry, and social integration.
Gandhi founded All India Anti Untouchability League in 1932, to remove untouchability in the society, which later renamed as Harijan Sevak Sangh (“Servants of Harijan Society”).
Gandhi also emphasized the importance of self-respect and self-reliance among Dalits, encouraging them to assert their rights and dignity. His efforts to uplift Dalits and challenge the caste system were an integral part of his broader vision for a more just and humane society.
Ambedkar and the goal of amelioration of downtrodden
Ambedkar was born into a poor low Mahar (dalit) caste, who were treated as untouchables and subjected to socio-economic discrimination.
Ambedkar’s Philosophy and Ideology for Dalits
Ambedkar believed that the caste system was a major obstacle to the progress of Indian society, and he dedicated his life to fighting against it. He advocated for the abolition of caste-based discrimination and worked to improve the social and economic conditions of the so-called “untouchables,” who were considered to be at the bottom of the caste hierarchy.
Ambedkar saw the caste system as an unequal mode of organization of social relations, with the pure and the impure at either extreme. He argued that this system was sanctified through religious codes that forbade intermixture of castes and confined social interaction to a regulated structure.
Ambedkar’s Strategies for Dalit Empowerment
Ambedkar became a staunch anti-oppression advocate for Dalits through his politics and writing. One of his critical works is The Annihilation of Caste, which was an undelivered speech he wrote in 1936.
He established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha also referred to as the Depressed Classes Institute in 1924 at Bombay, driven by the goal of improving the educational standards for Untouchables and address their socio-political challenges.
For the defence of Dalit rights, he started many periodicals like Mook Nayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, Samata and Janta.
Taking a vow of ridding untouchability and inhuman injustice, he rebelled against Manu, Ancient India’s lawmaker, the supporter of the caste system, and dethroned him. On 25 December 1927, he led thousands of followers to burn copies of Manusmrti. Thus annually 25 December is celebrated as Manusmriti Dahan Din (Manusmriti Burning Day) by Ambedkarites and Dalits.
In the 1930 Round Table Conference in London, he defended compensatory discrimination for the untouchables in opposition to Mahatma Gandhi.
In 1936, Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party which contested the 1937 Bombay election to the Central Legislative Assembly for the 13 reserved and 4 general seats, and secured 11 and 3 seats respectively.
The All-India Scheduled Castes Federation (AISCF) was founded in 1942 by N. Sivaraj and B. R. Ambedkar to advocate for the rights of the Dalit community.
Ambedkar became quite critical of the lack of commitment to untouchables’ rights on the part of the Indian National Congress and the outcome of the so-called Poona Pact of 1932 made him an implacable critic.
Thus, we can say that both Gandhi and Ambedkar wanted to improve the condition of downtrodden, but their approach was different, while Gandhi took evolutionary approach, Ambedkar had revolutionary approach. Even though they occasionally clashed on approaches, their common objective of empowering India’s downtrodden sections ultimately made a substantial contribution to social and political transformation.
Their principles and ideologies played an important role in shaping Indian policies and laws:
Gandhi and Ambedkar’s Principles in Shaping Indian Policies and Laws
Constitutional Provisions:
The principles of equality and social justice championed by Gandhi and Ambedkar were enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The Constitution abolished untouchability (Article 17) and provided for affirmative action measures, including reservations in education and employment, for Dalits and other marginalized communities (Articles 15 and 16).
Legislation:
Gandhi and Ambedkar’s influence is evident in several pieces of legislation aimed at eradicating caste discrimination, such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989).
Policy Initiatives:
Gandhi and Ambedkar’s emphasis on upliftment of the marginalized has shaped various government policies aimed at the socio-economic development of Dalits, including land reform initiatives, educational scholarships, and employment schemes.
