Unfortunately, the social sciences have refused to take a thinker like B.R. Ambedkar seriously. Any discussion on law in India and outside must include and begin with one of the strongest proponents of the rule of law, the father of our Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar
Imagined histories produced agenda setting and biased interpretations. Caste has been used and abused as a word and a category of analysis. Caste is not just in one faith but in every faith, especially in South Asia. It sticks out like a sore thumb. Are we more casteist for getting political and economic benefits? The dream of the greatest Indian, Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who was marginalised by the powers that be until 2014 is one we need to take very seriously today. The Left and Liberal academia avoided him for he was very critical of their hypocrisy. At best they praised a selected few who were in power and helped them to exercise power without ever winning elections. There are major gaps in the writing of Indian history where by design or on purpose there has been a clear attempt to agenda set in favor of a Republican dynasty, where its name continued to fill textbooks and publicly funded institutions. Are we saying that only one family won us freedom and all the others who sacrificed their lives have been marginalized?
One such historical icon, B.R. Ambedkar critically analysed and fought for the annihilation of caste. He, by pursuing true and original thinking, followed Brahma-vidya and as per the scriptures was a true Brahmin in the Vedic sense, a person who pursues and produces knowledge. There is enough proof that the seminal Hindu texts were written by Valmiki (Ramayana), Vyasa (Mahabharata), and B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution and a lot of his writings. On 26 November we all celebrated the Constitution Day and reaffirmed our faith in its Preamble which embodies liberty, equality and fraternity to all. On 6 December is Mahanirvana Diwas the day we lost this great thinker, the tallest Indian and Modern India’s icon. It is in the idea of Dissent that Lord Gautama the Buddha was the first Dissenter of the Bharatiya tradition to Babasaheb. We celebrate Dissent and Diversity in our Bharatiya tradition through “Ekam Sat Vipraha Bahuda Vadanti”. They warned of the social evils that has crept in into an inclusive and diverse parampara or tradition.
All political parties in India are caste ridden, even the Left. Left liberals among the academia practise it more vigorously, though do a lot of doublespeak. Unfortunately, the social sciences have refused to take a thinker like B.R. Ambedkar seriously. Why? Any discussion on law in India and outside must include and begin with one of the strongest proponents of the rule of law, the father of our Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar. B.R. Ambedkar, a visionary leader and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, held a nuanced perspective on the intersection of law and economics, particularly in pursuing social justice and uplifting marginalized communities. Many of his insights, while not always captured verbatim in quotes, can be extrapolated from his extensive writings and speeches.
He famously noted, “Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy. What does social democracy mean? It means a way of life which recognizes liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life.” Dr Ambedkar’s concern for economic inequality was deeply ingrained in his philosophy. He went beyond guaranteeing political rights, advocating for legal frameworks that would actively contribute to addressing economic disparities. In his vision, a just society required not only political and social equality but also economic parity.
In pursuit of this economic equality, Ambedkar championed the cause of land reforms. He recognized that the equitable distribution of land was pivotal for empowering the marginalized sections of society. His conviction lay in the belief that without addressing economic disparities at the grassroots, the lofty ideals of democracy would remain incomplete. One of Ambedkar’s notable stances was his emphasis on labour rights and fair wages. He saw protecting workers’ rights as a fundamental step towards achieving economic justice. For him, the toiling masses—those who tilled the soil, cultivated raw materials, and created goods—were indispensable contributors to the production and distribution of wealth.
Ambedkar’s vision of a just society was intricately woven with the fabric of economic empowerment. He recognized that the quest for social justice would be incomplete without dismantling exploitative labour practices and ensuring fair economic opportunities. While specific quotes capturing these sentiments directly may be limited, delving into his seminal works, such as “Annihilation of Caste,” and examining his contributions to the framing of the Indian Constitution provide a richer understanding of Ambedkar’s profound views on the symbiotic relationship between law and economics in the pursuit of a fair and inclusive society.
Today some people are asking for a caste census, which is so ironic given that our history is full of people who fought and struggled to make caste disappear from society. What never ceases to captivate me is the resilience and foresight embedded in our Constitution, a testament to the brilliance of its creators, including the visionary B.R. Ambedkar. In an era witnessing myriad changes across sectors, including the emergence of previously non-existent ones, our Constitution continues to adapt and keep pace with the evolving times.
Emerging concerns, such as environmental issues and sustainability have now assumed central importance. Surprisingly, the concept of sustainability, championed in recent decades, finds its roots in the foresight of Indian lawmakers, including the visionary B.R. Ambedkar, dating back to the 1950s. This early endorsement highlights the enduring relevance of sustainable principles, demonstrating a remarkable prescience on the part of Ambedkar and his contemporaries
Promoting diversity and inclusivity within the legal sphere, encompassing jurisprudence and law practice, are paramount. Such inclusivity ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by evolving technologies, fostering a legal landscape that is not only adept but also reflective of the diverse society it serves. As underscored in his extensive writings, Ambedkar illuminated a crucial truth: a nation’s development remains incomplete until every individual, irrespective of their station in life, reaps its benefits. The recent milestone achievement of India, soaring to a $4 trillion economy, is undoubtedly cause for celebration. Successes like these are not just the triumph of economic numbers but a testament to a society embracing a more inclusive and equitable distribution of resources—a journey championed by many stalwarts over the years.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice-Chancellor of JNU.