Dr. B. R Ambedkar The father of Indian Constitution and Social Justice
1. INTRODUCTION
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, known as the Father of the Indian Constitution, lived a life dedicated to social justice. His early experiences with discrimination spurred his ambition to transcend societal boundaries through education after he was born in 1891. Ambedkar was a great scholar whose academic achievements created the groundwork for his revolutionary position as a social reformer. His relentless efforts against untouchability and caste-based prejudice demonstrate his dedication to equality. Ambedkar, as the primary architect of the Indian Constitution, was instrumental in creating the nations essential ideas of liberty, equality, and brotherhood. During his term as Indias first Law Minister, crucial laws aimed at protecting the rights of marginalized populations were enacted.dedication to social and religious equality. Today, his ideas continue to influence legislation and social movements in India and around the world. While he is lauded for his accomplishments, conversations often reflect criticisms and disputes, providing richness to his legacys multifaceted impact.
2. HIS EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
On April 14, 1891, he was born into a Dalit Mahar family in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. His high-caste classmates mocked him. His fathers name was Ramji Maloji Sakpal. He was a subedar in the army. In 1894, B.R. Ambedkars father retired, and the family moved to Satara two years later. His mother passed away not long after that. His mothers name was Bhimabai Sakpal. His ancestors were Marathi.
The Gaekwar (ruler) of Baroda (now Vadodara) granted him a scholarship. He studied in institutions in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He then began practicing law and lecturing, and he established Dalit leadership and published various journals on their behalf. In addition, he was successful in obtaining special representation for them in the governments legislative councils He also wrote What Gandhi and Congress Did to the Untouchables (1945).
Dr. B R Ambedkar was a shining student. He enrolled in and graduated from Elphinstone High School. In the years that followed, he registered at Elphinstone College, which was affiliated with the University of Bombay. He graduated from Bombay University with a degree in economics and political science in 1912. Following that, he applied to Columbia University to pursue a masters degree in Economics. And by the time he finished his masters degree, he had given one of his theses on Ancient Indian Commerce. He also applied to and was accepted to the London School of Economics. He then became a political science professor at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, but later decided to further his studies and received his PhD in 1927.He also trained in the law at Grays Inn, London.
3. B.R AMBEDKAR ON SOCIAL JUSTICE
The concept of social justice indicates the broadening horizon of the general form of equality, which states that equals must be treated equally, and unequals must be treated differently. Furthermore, the sequence of the key elements in the Indian Constitutions preamble clearly identifies the primacy of Justice, specifically Social Justice, over Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. And this is what the Indian Constitution intends to do for the societys poorer members and minorities.
To examine Dr. Amedkars influential works as a social justice reformer for the betterment of the oppressed class, it is essential to discuss the hierarchy of castes that existed in Hinduism. Manu, the lawgiver, grouped humanity into four varnas (Sanskrit for color or class): Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Purusha Shutra of the Rig Veda, arose the theory of Chatur Varnya in accordance to which the four castes emerged from the body of the creator, The Brahmins, the priests were equated to the mouth, The Kshatriya the warrior; from the arms, The Vaishyas the trader: from the thighs and The Shudras sprung from the feet.Their situation deteriorated over time, and they became more oppressed and depressed. Such a social construction resulted in status inequality and deprivation of equal opportunities for all. This ushered in a new era of social injustice in the country.
Afterwards, the system of reservation for lower castes and the underprivileged was incorporated as a consequence of indefatigable efforts and fight by the people of lower castes, which was aided by Dr Amedkar, whom they considered to be their pioneer. Ambedkar was born into a lower caste (Mahar). To conquer the stigma of untouchability, he had to face all challenges and obstacles in life, consisting of living in every corner and alley of India.
He saw untouchability in India as a form of bondage worse than Roman Empire slavery and more cruel than what was done to American Nigros and German Jews. This fact was highlighted in his paper Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis, and Development presented at an anthropological seminar in New York in 1916 by Alexander Goldenweiser. In the same year, Dr. Amedkar received a PhD from Columbia University for his creative work.
Untouchability denied him all of the fundamental rights and privileges that every human being is entitled to from birth. Each stage of his lifes difficulties and nuances strengthened and weakened his faith in humanity. During his childhood, his father instilled in him the belief that education would solve all of their problems and turmoil caused by caste discrimination. But as he grew older, these words became a myth, and his life took an ugly turn, with harassment and resentment on a daily basis for becoming and being identified as an untouchable.
As the most learned member of his community, Ambedkar decided that the voices of the lower castes, particularly the untouchables, should be united and collectively fight for their rights in order to force the deaf upper castes and powerful politicians to hear.
With this zeal and determination, he embarked on his journey to end caste discrimination and to give people a proper place in society with dignity, as all human beings deserve, by sowing the seeds of economic, social, and political equality. He emphasized economic and social equality over political equality. As a result, he prioritized social justice.
Other Professors at Mumbais Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics refused to share a water jug with him because they considered him untouchable.
So one must understand that Ambedkar did not fight in the air; rather, he had all valid and sufficient reasons to speak out against the caste system because he, too, was a victim of it. Ambedkar spent his entire life trying to eliminate social injustice in India, whether it was the Mahad Satyagraha of drinking water from the Chowder tank, or asking women of low castes to drape their saris like women of high castes, or burning the Manu Smirti as a protest, everything he did was to free the untouchables from bondage and establish social justice among people.
He ended up being the voice of the untouchables, attempting to raise awareness of the Hindu caste systems evil practices. The oppressed class trusted him implicitly. He asserted to have separate electorates for people of lower castes, allowing minorities to elect a candidate to the legislature who would be their true, rather than nominal, representatives.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkars thoughts on social justice were progressive. He did not believe in violence; he considered the press to be a powerful tool for social changes for justice and freedom. He published Mook Nayak, Janata and Samata magazines, but these magazines remained largely unsold probably because of their progressive idea.[1]
4. AMBEDKAR: THE FATHER OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION
The appointment of Ambedkar as Chairman of the Drafting Committee marked a watershed moment in Indian constitutional history. His intellect, legal acumen, and unwavering commitment to social equality made him an obvious choice for this critical role. Ambedkars deep understanding of constitutional principles guided the drafting process, which lasted from late 1947 to 1949. Ambedkars vision for India is reflected in the Preamble, which is often referred to as the heart and soul of the Constitution. It encapsulates the foundational principles that would guide the newly independent nation, expressing the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Ambedkars emphasis on these principles revealed his dedication to establishing a just and inclusive society
Ambedkar also made an indelible mark on fundamental rights, which are the foundation of the Constitution. His emphasis on individual liberties and anti-discrimination protections displayed a commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens. The Constitutions directive principles of state policy outlined the states responsibility to ensure social and economic justice, reflecting Their broader vision for a welfare state. The representation of diverse voices in the Constituent Assembly demonstrates Ambedkars commitment to inclusivity. Despite opposition, he worked hard to ensure that the Constitution reflected the aspirations of a pluralistic and diverse nation. The document became an image of unity in diversity, symbolizing Ambedkars principles of social justice. Ambedkars approach to constitutionalism was rooted in pragmatism rather than legal complexities. He recognized the need for a constitution that was flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of a dynamic society.
5. CONCLUSION
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emerges as not only the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, but also as a visionary leader whose legacy will be felt throughout Indian history. His extraordinary journey from facing social discrimination to shaping the foundational document of the worlds largest democracy demonstrates his tenacity and unwavering commitment to social justice.
With its emphasis on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, Ambedkars imprint on the Constitution remains a guiding light for the nation. His foresight in incorporating affirmative action measures, including reservations, demonstrates a deep understanding of historical injustices and a dedication to redressing them.
The annual celebration of Ambedkar Jayanti attests to his ideas enduring relevance in contemporary India. Dr. B.R. Ambedkars legacy challenges us to strive for a society free of discrimination and inequality as the country advances. His vision of a just and inclusive India lives on in the collective aspirations of a nation committed to upholding the principles he enshrined in the Constitution.
CITATION
1. Kamlesh_hea; Dr B.R. Ambedkar The Father of Indian constitution and social justice available at https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-3514-dr-b-r-ambedkar-the-father-of-indian-constitution-and-social-justice.html ( last visited on December 9,2023).
