Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Context: Introduce Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as significant figures in Indian history. Thesis Statement: State that despite their differing approaches, both aimed for the upliftment of the downtrodden, particularly the Dalits. Body 1. Mahatma Gandhi’s Approach Philosophy of Non-Violence Fact: ...
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a prominent Indian leader during British rule. He worked tirelessly to eradicate the social and economic inequalities faced by Dalits in India and played an instrumental role in abolition of untouchability and reservation for dalits in education and employment. Though he is widRead more
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a prominent Indian leader during British rule. He worked tirelessly to eradicate the social and economic inequalities faced by Dalits in India and played an instrumental role in abolition of untouchability and reservation for dalits in education and employment. Though he is widely recognized for his pivotal role in championing the cause of Dalit rights, his contributions spanned a diverse range of issues:
Contribution to women’s cause
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar wrote extensively on women’s oppression in his newspapers ‘Mook Nayak’ and ‘Bahishkrit Bharat’.
- He advocated family planning measures for women. In 1942, while serving as a labour minister of the executive council of governor-general, he introduced a Maternity Benefit Bill for women working in mines
- After independence, he introduced the Hindu Code Bill of 1949, which dealt with women’s marriage, adoption, property rights etc.
- He supported ‘equal pay for equal work’ irrespective of gender and also played an important role in legalising voting rights for women in independent India.
Contribution to Economics
- Dr. Ambedkar was an economist by training. Some of his prominent writings in the field of economics include, The Problem of Rupee: Its Origin and Solution; The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India; and Administration and Finance of the East India Company.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was conceptualised in accordance with the guidelines presented by Dr. Ambedkar to the Hilton Young Commission (also known as Royal Commission on Indian Currency and Finance) based on his book, The Problem of the Rupee – Its Origin and Its Solution.
- Dr. Ambedkar, while being a Law Minister, also established the Finance Commission in 1951.
Drafting of Indian Constitution:
- As the Chairman of the constitution drafting committee in 1947, he played a key role in framing the Indian constitution and is recognised as the “Father of Indian Constitution”.
- His efforts ensured that the Constitution of India became one of the most comprehensive and progressive documents in the world.
Political Contributions:
- Dr. Ambedkar formed the Independent Labour Party in 1936, which won 15 seats in the Bombay Legislative Assembly elections.
- In July 1942, the Viceroy appointed Dr. Ambedkar as the Labour Minister in the Executive Council. During his tenure, he brought several labour reforms including paid holidays and restrictions over daily and weekly working hours.
- He served as the Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet of independent India and later remained a Member of Parliament till 1956.
- He was one of the founders of Employment Exchanges in India. He played a vital role in the establishment of the National Power Grid System, Central Water Irrigation, Navigation Commission, Damodar Valley Project, Hirakud Dam Project and Sone River Project.
Revival of Buddhism in India: Though the Buddhist revival movement began in India in May 1891 with the founding of Mahabodi Society in Calcutta, the real impetus to this movement was provided by Dr. Ambedkar who adopted Buddhism in 1956 resulting in an unprecedented wave of conversion. As per census records, the population of the Buddhist community rose from 1,80,823, in 1951 to 32,50,227 in 1961. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s socio-economic and political landscape were wide- ranging and encompassed issues that went beyond the Dalit rights. He was a visionary leader who worked tirelessly to promote social justice, equality, and human rights.
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Model Answer Introduction Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar are two pivotal figures in Indian history, both instrumental in the struggle for independence and the formation of its Constitution. Despite their differing methodologies, they shared a common objective: the amelioration of the downtroddRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar are two pivotal figures in Indian history, both instrumental in the struggle for independence and the formation of its Constitution. Despite their differing methodologies, they shared a common objective: the amelioration of the downtrodden, particularly the upliftment of socially oppressed classes like the Dalits.
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, known for his philosophy of non-violence and Satyagraha, believed in initiating social reform through individual transformation. He emphasized that real change must arise from within individuals rather than being enforced by laws. Gandhi advocated for the eradication of untouchability and caste discrimination, referring to Dalits as “Harijans,” or “children of God” (Gandhi, 1932). His establishment of the Harijan Sevak Sangh aimed to provide social and economic upliftment to Dalits. Through constructive programs focused on education and economic self-sufficiency, Gandhi sought to enhance the lives of marginalized communities and foster harmony among different societal groups.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
In contrast, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar approached social reform from a legal and constitutional perspective. Born into a Dalit family, he faced caste discrimination firsthand, which profoundly influenced his advocacy for the rights of marginalized groups. Ambedkar believed in achieving social justice through education, political representation, and legal reforms. As the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, he ensured provisions to outlaw untouchability and guarantee social, economic, and political justice to all citizens (Ambedkar, 1949). He also founded the Scheduled Castes Federation to promote political empowerment among Dalits and other marginalized communities.
Conclusion
While Gandhi and Ambedkar diverged in their strategies—one emphasizing moral transformation and the other legal reform—they were united in their goal of creating a more equitable society. Their efforts significantly contributed to the fight against caste-based discrimination and social inequalities in India, leading to lasting social and political change. Their legacies continue to inspire movements for justice and equality today.
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