Dr. B.

R Ambedkar’s Vision of Modern India and Social Justice

Author: Ritesh Kumar, 2nd Year, B.A.LL.B (Hons), 4th Sem, Chanakya National
Law University, Patna
Address: Vill- Bargachhiya, P.S- Thawe, Dist- Gopalganj, Bihar, Pin-841440.
Contact: rk132641@gmail.com, 8002420247

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, otherwise called Babasaheb Ambedkar was an Indian legal scholar,
social reformer and chief architect of Indian constitution. He gets profound information and
prepared as a social researcher that make the point understood that India is yet not a country but
rather a country in the creation. This name Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has gotten synonymous to
“justice" which is a very comprehensive term and can't be caught in once and for all. It is
deciphered as defender of lawful right or essentially referred as another name of liberty, equality
and integrity in the expressions of Ambedkar. This golden name in the history of India was not
remember only as the builder of the constitution but also as the creator of social justice and
betterment of the down trodden.

This way of thinking of social justice is extracted from Dr. B.R Amberdkar's master Buddha's
way of thinking which is, "Everything changes, and nothing is perpetual". These beliefs of social
justice denote brotherly relations of a citizen with every other citizen in our society and demands
respect for all citizens from everyone who emanates from the nature of society, its mechanism
and various regulations. He firmly believes that there must be constant reduction of old values in
order to bring changes in existing social order that was based on man-made inequalities. For
other social evils like- “Untouchability” he strongly advocated that it is not a religious system
but an economic system which is worse than slavery. He believed that in the absence of
economic and social justice, political independence would not bring about either social solidarity
or the national integration. Therefore, he laid emphasis on the liquidation of hierarchical
structure of society on the basis of Chaturvarna.

In spite of a time of battle even in the period of 21st century the majority of the discouraged
segments of the general public are confronting broad segregation and unfeeling treatment from a
general public. In such condition where there is absence of relationship and everybody isn't
perceived equivalent, one can't build up his/her character in a way he/she can and rationale of
social equity can never be accomplished.
In this article, we would try to understand and explore Ambedkar's vision on current India and
social justice through various dimensions i.e. the struggle for human dignity, lawlessness against
the untouchables, annihilation of caste, religious conversion, work towards women issues and
constitutional safeguards and present scenario. This paper concludes with the suggestion for
elimination of evil practices in society.

Keywords :- Discrimination, Untouchability, Steps for Evolution, Social Justice.

 1. INTRODUCTION

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) otherwise called Babasaheb Ambedkar was an Indian
legal scholar, social reformer and chief architect of Indian constitution. He provided an inspiring
preamble to the constitution ensuring justice, social, economic and political liberty of thought,
expression, equality and fraternity1. This name Dr. B.R Ambedkar has gotten synonymous to
“justice” which is very comprehensive term and can’t be caught in once and for all. The
provisions related to fundamental rights are the result of examples and experience of other nation
and his devotion towards the citizens of India mostly for the upliftment of the lowest stratum of
the Indian society known as untouchables which he raised brick by brick by considering the
distinctive needs of our own society.

This golden name in the history of India was not only remember as the builder of the
constitution but also as the creator of social justice and saga of oppressed humanity . He also
argued for extensive economic and social right for women and also won the constituent
assembly’s support for introducing system of reservation of jobs for member of S.C and S.T
who placed at the bottom of hierarchy according to traditional Hindu code of conducts. He
firmly believes that there must be constant reduction of old values in order to bring changes in
existing social order that was based on man- made inequalities which can never be achieve
without ensuring equal representation before law. Being a true Renaissance man he played a very
vital role in revitalizing Hinduism and also revive it by challenging everything that was unjust
and unfair within by provoking the Hindus to rethink some of the basic tenets of their religion 2.
He found many organization to deal with urgent cases of discrimination and also urged from
Hindu society to give a space to depressed section by employing them in their various sectors
suited to the capacities of applicants. He was a freedom fighter of the truest kind, who not merely
dream to set aside his country form British rule but he also led a battle against prejudice within
his own country for securing equality for his community in order to create more equals world for
us. Through his great foresight he also underlined the importance of creating not just a political
democracy, but also a social and economic one. He also contributes in various field through his
work for instance his PhD thesis help a lot in set up of finance commission of India and RBI act

1
. Preamble of The Constitution of India.
2
. http://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT1704270.pdf( visited on 12 May 2020, 4:10 pm)
 2. DR. AMBEDKAR AS A SOCIAL REFORMER

Ambedkar was a great social and religious reformer of India like: Buddha, Mahaveera, Phule
Gandhi and other. This great son of India belonged from untouchable community who emerged
as an angry fighter for the cause of the suppressed section of the society. He was a great critique
of Hindu social order and he opposed the system of untouchability along with cruel system of
slavery. Apart from being a crusader of the suppressed he was an economist, able administrator,
educationalist and visionary. His constant fight for the social change and social equality has no
parallel in the world history. We can explore his vision on current India and social justice though
various dimension i.e.

I. Bringing untouchables in the main stream of the society : Dr. Ambedkar deeply
analysed Hindu society before starting his struggle against untouchability and the caste
system. Through his various writings, Ambedkar tried hard to show the mechanisms of the
caste system and clarified the origin of untouchability in order to support his fight for
equality. According to him the lower castes were not in a position to overthrow their
oppressors, it was because of the very characteristics of caste inequality and internalised
hierarchy which took shape when upper class was able to persuade other groups that their
values were universally superior and they had to be emulated by others3. In course of his
almost four decades long public carrier he implemented various strategies in order to
aspire dalits for their unity and to endow them with a separate identity4. These are :
 Identity Building: Untouchables As Sons of the Soil
 Electoral Politics: From Separate Electorate to Party-building
 Working with the Rulers: From the British Raj to the Congress Raj
 Conversion, the Ultimate Strategy

He found himself in the conflict with Gandhi on their different ideology regarding abandoning of
the term “untouchables’’. He recognized that it was easier to change laws than to change
people’s hearts and heads. After an unsuccessful five-year campaign to gain the right to enter
3
. B.R. Ambedkar, “Castes in India. Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development”, Indian Antiquary, May 1917,
vol. 61, reproduced in Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches, vol. 1, Bombay, Government of
Maharashtra, 1979.( visited on 15 May 2020, 1:25 pm)
4
. B.R. Ambedkar, “The Untouchables”, art. (visited on 15 May 2020, 5:12 pm)
Hindu temples he urged all untouchables to change their religion to stepped outside from the
mental framework of caste system. He blamed British for the social and economic backwardness
for their community and believes that before considering their political empowerment, it was
necessary to extricate them from the bondage of caste system. 5He did his best to place reins of
the government in the hands of their community to accelerate the process of establishing
democratic provisions and empowerment for the depressed classes when he was served as the
law minister and as the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee of the Constituent
Assembly. In 1928 when Simon commission arrived in India he did not hesitate to tender
evidence before it on behalf of the Dalits6. For separate electorate he also confront with Gandhiji
in the Second Round Table Conference. He also formed the Independent Labour Party (ILP) and
this was one of the major steps in the direction to promote the cause of the depressed classes 7.
There are provisions in the Constitution for protecting the political rights of the depressed
sections of the society.

II. Works towards women issues and constitutional safeguards: In the Indian man-
dominated society, women faced terrific problems since vedic period due to superstitions
and misguided rituals. The women have been victimised through different ways, like-child
marriage, sati pratha, parda pratha, restriction to widow remarriage, widow’s exploitation,
devadasi system etc. So taking a birth as a women had been treated as the curse for
women. This system brought inferiority complex and insipid the women which proved a
big hurdle in their social, economic and personal development. During British rule in India
and after independence Dr. B.R. Ambedkar fought for the women empowerment which is
a vital instrument to expand women’s ability to have resources and to make strategic life
choices and he also made such provisions in constitution of India so that women must be
treated equally in the society. It is only due to Dr. Ambedkar that today women feel self-
confident and self dependent and got an opportunity to prove themselves better than man
in all fields be it education, entrepreneurship, medical, engineering and defence etc. To
5
. Bakshi, S. R. (2009). Dr. BR Ambedkar Socio-Economic and Political Ideology. Pinnacle Technology.( visited on
16 May 2020, 8:20 pm)
6
. http://www.open.ac.uk/researchprojects/makingbritain/content/simon-report .(visited on 16 May 2020 , 9:23 pm)
7
.File:Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with his associates of &039;Independent Labour Party', A political party
founded by Dr. Ambedkar in 1937.jpg|thumb|Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with his associates of 'Independent
Labour Party', A political party founded by Dr. Ambedkar in 1937.( visited on 16 May 2020 , 10:10 pm)
 expose the problems of depressed and women he launched journal Mook Nayak in 1920
and Bahiskrit Bharat in 1927 for this purpose. To gave new pace in this direction he also
women’s association was also founded in Bombay with Ramabai Ambedkar whose sole
motive was to impower women to speak boldly. If we take a glance of post-independent
India we can find a series of laws passed for the upliftment of women . some of these are
as follow8:
 Hindu Marriage Act of 1955: This Act provided equal right to women to obtain
divorce and Maintenance in certain case.
 Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 : By virtue of this act a women can
adopt a boy or a girls as her son or daughter .
 Hindu succession Act of 1956: This provides equal rights to women in the
inheritance of family property.
 The Hindu women Right to property act of 1973: According to this act the
daughter , the widow and the mother can inherit property of the deceased
simultaneously and they can hold their property absolutely with full right to sell,
mortgage , and dispose of as she desires.
 The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961: According to this Act taking or demanding
Dowry is an offence punishable by imprisonment and or fines.
 The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976: This Act does not permit wage
discrimination between male and female workers.
 The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act of 1956: This entitled women to acts
as the natural guardian of her minor children.

Considering the guidelines, recommendations, suggestions and statutes given by Dr. Ambedkar,
the Government of India and other State Governments have implemented various constitutional
provisions like : article 14, 15, 15(3), 16, 23, 39(a) and (d), 42, 51A(e), 243D(3), 243T(3) and
243T(4) also provides equal rights and opportunity for both male and female 9.

8
. http://oscw.nic.in/sites/default/files/Legal%20Provision%20for%20Women%20Empowerment. (visited on 18
May 2020, 12:17 pm).
9
mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/reports_and_publication/cso_social_statices_division/Constitutional&Legal_Right.
(visited on 19 May 2020 , 10:10 am)
Babasaheb had a particular humanitarianism view. He frequently raised his voice against all sorts
of injustice towards women . In his last speech in Indian Parliament he quoted famous thoughts
of an Irish Patriot Daniel O’Connal as, “No man can be grateful at the cost of his honour, no
woman can be grateful at the cost of her chastity. And no nation can be grateful at the cost of his
liberty.”10

3. DR. BR AMBEDKAR AS A TORCH LIGHT BEARER FOR MODERN INDIA

India has produced many a social and political thinker and philosopher in the course of his long
and cherished history. Among the galaxy of thinkers and philosophers of India , Bharat Ratna Dr.

10
. http://gswb.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Jaydip-Roy.pdf .( visited on 19 May 2020, 11:55 pm)
Babasaheeb Ambedkar occupies undoubtedly the most important place whose memory never
fades form the minds of the sufferers. Through his extensive reading and research, wide,
theoretical frame, incisive mind and diagnostic skills he gives priceless contribution in the
direction of modern India which we will explore through various dimensions:

I. Role in framing constitution : This golden name has been an outstanding contribution by
drafting the Constitution of India and he become a champion of human rights. Considering
the depth of his acumen and scholarship, On August 29, 1947 Dr. Ambedkar was appointed
the Chairman of the Drafting Committee that was constituted by Constituent Assembly to
draft a Constitution for independent India11. He kept all the clauses of the Constitution
flexible so that amendments could be made as and when the situation demanded. He
provided an inspiring Preamble to the Constitution ensuring justice, social, economic and
12
political, liberty, equality and fraternity. He was the strong supporter of the federal
government and preferred the parliamentary system In England than the Presidential System
in America.
 On Fundamental Rights and Directive Principle of State Policy: Fundamental
Rights, the heart of the Constitution has been provided to every citizen and the
Directive Principles to the executive and legislature for governance of the country.
The chapter on Fundamental Rights ensures the dignity of man as a human being and
emphasizes the creation of a casteless, classless and homogeneous society. Through
various Articles like, Article 14, 15(There are exceptions to this provision under
clause 4 and 5 of the Article which runs as: State can make any special provision for
the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for
the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes). 16, 17, 19 and 21. Right to freedom of
Religion dealt under Article 25 to 28. Cultural and educational rights provided under
Article 29 and30. Article 32 as quoted by him soul of the Indian Constitution deals
with “Right to Constitutional remedies.” And many provisions of Part IV provide
guidelines to the Government to make laws for the welfare of the citizens.

11
. https://www.constitutionofindia.net/constitution_making_process/drafting_commitee. (visited on 21 May 2020 ,
9:10 am)
12
. http://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-750-preamble-to-the-indian-constitution. (visited on 21 May
2020 , 2:13 pm)
  On political Right : Ambedkar's political philosophy was closely related to the most
immediate and accumulate d issues of human life and essentially in accordance with
the fact of society13. Reservation of seats for SCs in the House of the People and in
the Legislative Assemblies of the States. [Article 330] are some of his contributions
in this felid.
 On Economic Right: Dr. Ambedkar work in economics is noteworthy. As a result of
his contribution in the field of economics following articles has been inserted under
the Constitution: (i) To promote with special case the educational and economic
interests of the weaker sections and in particular of SCs and protect them from any
social injustice and all forms of exploitation [Article 46]. (ii) The clauses of SCs to
appointments in services [Article 335]
II. Role in Directive Principle of state policy: The DPSP concept of Irish constitution
constitute a very comprehensive social, economic and political programme for a modern and
welfare state which was introduce under government of India Act of 1935. Unlike the
fundamental right this is non- binding in nature which means they are not enforceable by the
courts for their violation. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called the DPSPs as ‘Instruments of
Instructions’. He referred it as policies and principles to achieve economic democracy, which
is an ever changing concept and is dependent on the times and circumstances. Form article 36
to 51 of part IV of Indian constitution contains provision related to it. On the basis of content
and direction this can be classified into 3 categories i.e. socialistic Principles( article38, 39,
39 A, 41, 42, 43, 43 A and 47), Gandhian Principles( article40, 43, 43 B, 46, and 48), and
Liberal-Intellectual Principles( article 44, 45, 48, A, 48 A, 49, 50 and 51).It mentions
protection of women of the country, environmental conservation, rural growth and
development, decentralisation of power, uniform civil code, etc. which are considered some
of the essentials in making laws for a “welfare state’’. In this way we can see it constitute a
manifesto of a Nation and it reflect the philosophy behind the making of the constitution.

13
. For details, see Jatava, D.R. 2001. Introduction. In Political Philosophy of B.R Ambedkar. New Delhi: National
Publishing. (visited on 21 May 2020 , 5:16 pm).
 4. DR BR. AMBEDKAR AS AN EMINENT ECONOMIST

Dr. Br. Ambedkar work in economics is noteworthy. His views deals with public finance and
agriculture are landmark in the economics. His contribution in the field of economics is splendid
and will be remembered forever. He was of view that governments should spend the resources
garnered from the public not only as per rules, laws and regulations, but also to see that
“faithfulness, wisdom and economy”. He was the first South Asian to have double doctorate
degree in economics from London School of Economics and Columbia University 14. Although
his extraordinary work in sociology, law, religion and politics has overshadowed his
contributions in economics but his contribution was well known for his thesis, dissertations and
some of his paper like: “The present problem in Indian Currency”, “The Problem of Rupee: Its
Origin and Its Solution”, “Ancient India Commerce” etc 15. His remarkable contributions can be
explore under following head:

I. Problem of Rupee: Gold Standard versus Gold Exchange Standards: Before 1835 in
India multiple coins were in circulation and this was quite confusing. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
studied this matter in depth. In his doctoral thesis he has mentioned that excess importance
was given to exchange rate stability rather than price stability which will benefit only the
trading class not the poor class in the economy. Poor’s will be benefitted only when there is
an internal stability. He put emphasis over the stability. According to Babasaheb currency
should be stable in terms of commodities not in terms of gold 16. He was against the concept
of linking money supply with gold. He pointed out that Government under gold exchange
standard tries to manipulate the currency to keep it at par with the gold value which is not a
good idea. He was a strong believer of quantity theory of money. He was of the idea that
government should not manage the flow of the currency and afraid that government will not
be able to manage it properly. He was not in favour of giving the power to the government
to expand the money supply without expanding the production of goods and services; since
it can lead to an unstable currency value. So he strongly opposed the managed currency
system and supported gold standards with some modification.
II. Contribution in Agriculture Economics: Problem of small holdings in India:
Dr.Ambedkar‘s contribution to agricultural economics relates to land informs, consolidation
of holding, size of holdings and treating agriculture as an industry. In 1917, a committee
14
. Ahir, D.C. (1990) “The Legacy of Dr. Ambedkar” B. R. Publishing corporation, New Delhi (visited on 24 May
2020, 8:16 am)
15
. Bagga, P.S (2014), “The Practice of Economics by Dr. Ambedkar and its Relevance in Contemporary India”,
Journal of Business Management & Social Sciences Research (JBM&SSR) Volume3, No.10, October 2014.( visited
on 25 May 2020, 2:10 pm)
16
. Dr.Ambedkars economic thoughts and philosophy by Narendra J economic and political weekly, Volume 26 No-
15 (April 1991). (visited on 26 May 2020 , 4:10 pm)
 was formed in Baroda state and gave suggestion to consolidate the holding under
government measure. Dr.B.R.Ambedkar also favour this consolidation of land holding
owned by state. He favoured to allocate e this land in a standard size to the original
cultivators without any discrimination based on caste, creed and religion. 17 He pointed out
the factor which is responsible for the low productivity like : insufficient capital, surplus
labour, and deficient irrigation. Through his paper on “Small Holdings in India and their
Remedies” he  advocated for the collective and co-operative farming in the country. He
viewed that industrialisation can be an alternate solution for the vast disguised
unemployment which will not only increase the productivity in agricultural sector it will
also increase the production of the capital goods.
III. Role in the formation of Reserve Bank of India: Reserve Bank of India was
conceptualised as per the guidelines and outlook presented by Dr Ambedkar in front of the
Hilton Young Commission (also known as Royal Commission on Indian Currency and
18
Finance) who submitted its report in 1926 on the recommendations of the report of RBI.
The commission member found Ambedkar’s book The Problem of the Rupee: Its Problems
and Its Solution an invaluable reference tool. In this authoritative book on Indian currency
and finance, Ambedkar emphasized the need for a sound monetary and central banking
system. The book was found so valuable and relevant that when the Hilton Young
Commission came to India each of its members was holding Ambedkar’s book. The
legislative assembly passed this under the name of RBI act 1934 19 which came in picture on
1st April 1935. His thoughts have a great impact of Indian Rupee, he examined the causes
for the Rupee’s fall in value in his Doctor of Science (D. Sc) thesis, The Problem of Rupee
(1923) when India was facing falling of currency value.

17
. Ishita Aditya Ray, Sarbapriya Ray (2011), “B.R.Ambedkar and his Philosophy of Land Reform: An evaluation”,
Afro Asian Journal of Social Sciences, Volume 2, No.2.1.( visited on 26 May 2020 , 7:55 pm)
18
. Rohit. “The Monetary Policy of Reserve Bank of India,” in The Economic Journal, Vol.59, No.235. September.
Pp 436-438. 1949. It began according to the guidelines laid down by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. (visited on 26 May 2020 ,
9:15pm)
19
. Reserve Bank of India Act. 1934. (visited on 28 May 2020 , 12:36 pm)
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