Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Check the knowledge box
Mains level: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy and present day governance
Central idea
- The 132nd birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar is an occasion to recognize his ideas and actions which continue to inspire and guide the present and future generations.
B.R. Ambedkar’s Legacy
- R. Ambedkar was more than an individual, and his ideas and actions continue to illuminate the present and are a guiding light for the future.
- He epitomised the spirit of justice and stressed establishing institutions for a just society.
Ambedkar’s contribution to nation-building
- Multidimensional contribution: The centenary of Ambedkar’s work, The Problem of Rupee: Its Origin and its Solution, paved the foundation of the Reserve Bank of India in 1934. During that time, the country was trying to come out of the clutches of colonialism, and Ambedkar vigorously advocated for significant nation-building measures in a multidimensional manner.
- Tirelessly work to safeguarding the interests of the people: From his work on the Simon Commission to representing the Depressed Classes in the Round Table conferences and chairing the Constitution’s drafting committee, Ambedkar tirelessly worked towards safeguarding the interests of the people.
Quick knowledge box from civilsdaily: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s literary work
|
Literary Works |
Description |
| Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development | A paper presented by Ambedkar to an anthropology seminar at Columbia University, which discusses the caste system in India and its origins |
| The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution | A work that proposed a solution to the problem of currency fluctuations in India and paved the way for the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India |
| Annihilation of Caste | A speech delivered by Ambedkar that strongly criticized the caste system in Hindu society and advocated for its annihilation |
| What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables | A book that criticized the Indian National Congress and Mahatma Gandhi for their treatment of the untouchables in India |
| States and Minorities | A book that analyzes the relationship between the majority and minority communities in India and argues for the protection of minority rights |
| The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables? | A book that traces the history of the untouchables in India and argues for their social and economic upliftment |
| Buddha and His Dhamma | A book that describes the life and teachings of the Buddha and how they can be applied to contemporary society |
| Who Were the Shudras? | A book that examines the origins and history of the Shudra caste in Hindu society |
Present government’s commitment to Ambedkar’s vision
- Ambedkar’s vision in planning and implementation: The present-day government led by PM Modi has been committed to adhering to Ambedkar’s vision from planning to implementation.
- People-centric policy measures: The government has taken steps towards the ease of life of citizens, such as the implementation of pro-poor and people-centric policy measures.
- For instance: Schemes such as Stand-Up India, Start-Up India, PM Awas Scheme, BHIM, Mudra, and JAM trinity, which show that the government is leaving no stone unturned to fulfill the assigned targets and ensure saturation-level implementation.
- Government’s efforts to preserve Ambedkar’s legacy: Government’s has adopted a sensitive approach towards preserving Ambedkar’s legacy. The National Research for Conservation of Cultural Property has preserved Ambedkar’s belongings for posterity, which will be showcased at the upcoming Dr B R Ambedkar Socio-Economic & Culture Centre. The Centre will serve as a sacred place highlighting glimpses of Ambedkar’s contribution to building the nation.
Ambedkar’s relevance to present-day India
- Panch Pran mantra: There are parallels between Ambedkar’s ideas and the Prime Minister’s Panch Pran mantra for making a developed India.
- Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Ambedkar believed that the constitutional ideals and social philosophy of liberty, equality, and fraternity have Indian cultural roots, and the government’s initiatives, such as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, reflect this belief.
Conclusion
- India’s commitment to Ambedkar’s vision would have resulted in greater public welfare if earlier governments had accepted him in this manner. On Ambedkar’s 132nd birth anniversary, it is essential to recognize his legacy and commitment to establishing institutions for a just society. The legacy of B.R. Ambedkar is a guiding light for India, and his ideas and actions continue to inspire and provide a moral force for justice.
Mains Question
Q. Discuss the relevance of B.R. Ambedkar’s ideas to present-day India. How has the present government committed to adhering to Ambedkar’s vision in planning and implementation of policies?
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