Approach to Social Reforms and Justice: Thoughts of Ambedkar

Abstract

B.R Ambedkar was one of the well-known jurists, lawyers, social and political leaders of modern India. He is known as the torch-bearer of India’s Untouchables, as the “Modern Manu” for his work in piloting the constitution of independent India through the Constituent Assembly. In Nehru’s words, he is an icon of rebellion against all the repressive features of Hindu society. His political life and thought extended nearly forty years. During this period, he organised his own Mahar caste and many other marginal groups; founded three political parties; and wrote and spoke widely on political and social problems. He resentfully condemned the social system of the Hindus based on four Varnas because it encouraged the disgraces of untouchables. He contended that the problem of untouchables could not be solved unless deep-seated transformations were initiated in the social system. He considered the emancipation of the untouchables as a more burning problem than the independence of the country. Against this background, the present paper aims at discussing the three facets of the social thoughts of Ambedkar. The first part deals with Ambedkar's approach to social reforms. The second part cast light on his concept of social justice and the third section enumerates the relevance of his social thought in the contemporary realm.