• UGI USER
  • Dec 06, 2023
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THE AMBEDKAR TOUCH IN RETHINKING SOCIAL JUSTICE POLICIES

Relevance:

GS 1

  • Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues.

Why in News:

  • Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to B R Ambedkar on his death anniversary, saying he dedicated his life to the welfare of the exploited and deprived.
Source- Hindustan Times

In the pursuit of reshaping social justice policies, the influence of Ambedkar’s vision stands as a guiding light, advocating for substantive inclusion and empowerment of historically marginalized communities within modern democracies.

Context of Modern Democracy

  • Modern democracy embodies values of social harmony and reforms aimed at ensuring dignity and self-respect for historically marginalized communities.
  • Democratic institutions are expected to involve and empower the worst-off social groups, making them significant participants in political affairs.

Ambedkar’s Vision

  • Ambedkar championed liberal ideas, envisioning post-colonial India as a departure from exploitative pasts, inviting marginalized communities to partake equally in the nation’s growth.
  • Despite these aspirations, current achievements have fallen short due to the rise of neo-liberal economic policies, derailing the traditional support state institutions offered to Dalits and Adivasis.
  • Ambedkar’s principles emphasize reprimanding the neglect of Dalits and Adivasis in neo-liberal economies and advocating for their integration into economic development.
  • His ethical corrective measures aim to democratize institutions and align them with the aspirations of marginalized groups.

Need for Economic Reforms

  • Neo-liberal markets tend to alienate ethical values, favoring exclusive control by corporate entities, neglecting the aspirations of Dalits and Adivasis.
  • Reforms in the market economy are necessary to rectify historical wrongs and ensure equitable participation of marginalized groups in economic spheres.
  • Despite political promises, social justice policies have had minimal impact on the substantial inclusion of marginalized groups in influential domains.

Redefining Social Justice

  • Social justice policies must foster the emergence of Dalit and Adivasi leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers in economic realms.
  • Instead of being mere recipients of welfare, these groups should be integral components of urbanization, industrial production, and technological innovation.
  • New social justice policies should democratize the working class, reduce poverty, and integrate Dalits and Adivasis as influential participants in capitalist structures.
  • Adivasi concerns for habitat, ecology, and cultural autonomy must be addressed within the framework of economic inevitability.

Role of the State

  • Ambedkar saw the state as pivotal for the emancipation of marginalized groups, but in the neo-liberal context, it often fails in its social responsibilities.
  • Redirecting the market’s focus towards the welfare of marginalized groups aligns with Ambedkar’s version of social justice, aiming for their substantive participation in economic and institutional power structures.

The enduring relevance of Ambedkar’s ideals in contemporary discussions on social justice policy underscores the pressing need for transformative reforms in economic structures and institutional frameworks. Integrating marginalized groups into the fabric of economic development and empowering them as influential stakeholders not only addresses historical injustices but also fosters a more equitable, pluralistic, and inclusive society as envisaged by Ambedkar’s progressive vision.

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar,

·  Birth: April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, born to Subedar Ramji Maloji Sakpal, influenced by Sant Kabir.

·  Education: Obtained Bachelor’s degree from Bombay University, pursued further studies at Columbia University (New York) and London School of Economics.

Contributions:

·  Started an Association for the welfare of depressed classes (1924).

·  Initiated Bahishkrit Bharat newspaper (1927) addressing depressed classes’ issues.

·  Led Mahad Satyagraha (March 1927).

·  Participated in Round Table Conferences and signed Poona pact with Mahatma Gandhi (1932).

·  Formed Independent Labour Party (1936) for depressed classes’ interests.

·  Appointed to Executive Council of Governor General (1942), elected to Constituent Assembly (1946).

·  Chairman of Drafting Committee for the Indian Constitution.

·  Minister of Law in India’s first Cabinet (1947).

·  Resigned in 1951 over differences on the Hindu Code Bill.

Later Life:

·  Converted to Buddhism, passed away on December 6, 1956 (Mahaparinirvan Diwas), commemorated at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai.

Recognition:

·  Awarded Bharat Ratna in 1990, India’s highest civilian honor.

Important Works:

·  Authored journals like Mooknayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, Samatha, Janata, and books including Annihilation of Caste, Buddha or Karl Marx, The Untouchable: Who are They and Why They Have Become Untouchables, Buddha and His Dhamma, The Rise and Fall of Hindu Women.

Organizations:

·  Founded Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923), Independent Labor Party (1936), Scheduled Castes Federation (1942).

·  Shiksha Bhoomi the place in London where he stayed while studying in UK.

·  Deeksha Bhoomi – the place in Nagpur where he embraced Buddhism.

·  Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi the place of his demise in Delhi.

·  Chaitanya Bhoomi – the place of his creation is in Mumbai.

 

Ambedkar

Gandhi
Advocated radical reforms and annihilation of caste. Emphasized social reform through non-violence and moral persuasion.
Focused on equality, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized communities. Stressed on self-reliance, rural development, and moral regeneration.
Advocated for political rights and social reforms for marginalized groups. Championed non-violent resistance and civil disobedience against British rule.
Critically analyzed and challenged the caste system’s oppressive nature. Advocated for its reform but held belief in its basic framework.
Advocated for social equality irrespective of religious affiliations. Emphasized the importance of moral values and spirituality within Hinduism.
Advocated for economic and educational upliftment of marginalized communities. Focused on self-sufficiency, village economy, and minimalism.
Instrumental in drafting the Indian Constitution, a strong advocate for social justice. Revered as the ‘Father of the Nation’, known for his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience.

Source:

The Hindu

Mains Question:

Assess the influence of neo-liberal economics on the inclusion of Dalits and Adivasis, considering Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s principles. Propose strategies for integrating these communities into the economic and political spheres and discuss the role of the state in aligning market practices with Ambedkar’s vision of social justice.