Abstract: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has been an outstanding and multifaceted personality of India.
He was a great academician, a research scholar, a economist , a political scientist, a
philosopher, and humanitarian .He was the first man who understand the necessity for a
democratic system in India and analyzed the social, economic and political system of India in
relation to other countries. When he compared this system with the others countries; and
subsequently, realized a very significant changes in the Indian socio- economic and political
system. He understands the problems and requirements of Indians which can be fulfilled by
establishing a democratic system in India and when Dr. B.R. Ambedkar became the chairman
of drafting committee he did all to establish a great democratic constitution for India.
Keywords: Constitution; socio-economic system; democratic system; dalits; social justice;
fundamental rights; parliamentary system
INTRODUCTION
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar has been an outstanding contribution by drafting the Constitution of
India and he become a champion of human rights. Dr. Ambedkar was born on the 14th April,
1891 in Mhow (now in Madhya Pradesh). After graduating from Elfinstone College, Bombay
in 1912, he joined Columbia University, USA where he was awarded Ph.D. Later he joined
the London School of Economics & obtained a degree of D.Sc. (Economics) & was called to
the Bar from Gray's Inn. On the 14th October, 1956, Baba Sahib Ambedkar embraced
Buddhism. He continued the crusade for social revolution until the end of his life on the 6th
December 1956. He was honoured with the highest national honour, 'Bharat Ratna' in April
1990.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was one of the illustrious sons of India, who struggled to
restructure the Indian society on the most egalitarian and humanitarian principles. He was
the first Indian political thinker who realized the necessity and applicability of the western
pattern of democracy to India. He was multi-dimensional personality—a parliamentarian, a
scholar, an Indian jurist, an advanced thinker, a philosopher, an anthropologist, a historian,
an orator, a prolific writer, an economist and a constitutionalist of world repute.He was indeed a crusader of the downtrodden and a savior of the untouchables. He
dedicated his entire life to the cause of Dalits, untouchables, marginal sections of society in
particular and to the cause of inclusive democracy in general. Dr. Ambedkar was not only a
learned scholar and an eminent jurist but also a revolutionary who fought against social evils
like untouchability and caste restrictions. Throughout his life, he battled social
discrimination while upholding the rights of the Dalits and other socially backward classes.
As a matter of fact, he was an economist and his various scholarly works and speeches
indicate his deep understanding of the problems faced by the Indian society.
He was appointed as the India’s first Law Minister. He is still considered as the Father of the
Indian Constitution. His contribution in the Second Round Table Conference and its Federal
Structure Committee which was well connected with the drafting of the new Constitution of
India was highly appreciated. He was selected to the Federal Structure Committee not by
the Indian National Congress but by the British after understanding his patriotic mind and
fearless advocacy for common man and democracy. For him, it was not enough to make a
distinction between the state and society; state and the government; and state and the
nation; rather he went to the roots of these institutions to point out the essential element
constituting these institutions i.e. the people.
At the same time even the celebrated western writers like Harold Laski and Melver did not
go further than suggesting a distinction between the state and society and so on. They made
only superficial references to the social and economic status of the various classes of people
who constitute the society and the state. Making of the constitution of India was by no
means an easy task. It required the highest statecraft, statesmanship, scholarship, and
intellectual acumen endowed with a flood of knowledge of the history of nations in the
given context, and the working of Constitutions in the democratic, totalitarian, dictatorship
and other forms of governments.
Owing to his seminal role in the framing of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is
popularly known all over India as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. His efforts to
eradicate social evils were remarkable and that is why he is called the “messiah” of the
Dalits and downtrodden in India. Times of London wrote, “In the social and political life
during the last period of the British Empire in India, Dr. Ambedkar’s name occupied a primeposition. His face reflected his courage and resoluteness, and although his intellect had no
parallel in the world, he was not too proud. He could never be flashy”.
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 India. The draft Constitution was the result
of the collective efforts of a galaxy of great leaders and legal scholars in the Constituent
Assembly such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Patel, B.N. Rao,
Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar etc. Speaking after the completion of his work, Ambedkar said: “I
feel the Constitution is workable; it is flexible and it is strong enough to hold the country
together both in peace time and in war time.” It has been in effect since January 26, 1950,
which is celebrated as the Republic Day in India. The Columbia University at its Special
convocation on June 5, 1952 conferred the LL.D. degree (HonorisCausa) on Dr Ambedkar in
recognition of his drafting the Constitution of India. The citation read as:
“The degree is being conferred in recognition of the work done by him in connection with the
drafting of India’s Constitution”. The University hailed him as “one of India’s leading citizens,
a great social reformer and valiant upholder of human rights”.
To Ambedkar, the Constitution was not just the basic law for the governance of the country;
rather it was a vehicle of the nation’s progress, reflecting the best in the past traditions of
the country, to cope with the needs of the present and possessing enough resilience to
meet the needs of the future. At the same time he was of the view that it must be a living
organ, not for one or two generations, but for generations to come. Ambedkar kept 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 political, liberty, equality and fraternity. However, the creation of an
egalitarian social order, however, remains an unfulfilled wishful thinking to this day. Dr
Ambedkar played a seminal role in the framing of the Indian Constitution. He used all his
experience and knowledge in drafting the Constitution.
He has awarded a legal framework for the people of India on become India as Ganarajaya,
as a result devolution of power to the people. To this end, his contribution was significant,
substantial, and spectacular. Dr Ambedkar’s contribution to the evolution of free India lies in
his striving for ensuring justice—social, economic and political—for one and all. Recognisingthe exceptional contribution of Ambedkar in drafting of the Constitution, Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru remarked: “Dr. Ambedkar had played a most important part in the framing of India’s
Constitution. No one took greater trouble and care over Constitution-making than Dr.
Ambedkar.” He carved a unique and impregnable pride of place and honour in the history of
the free Indian nation. So long as the Indian Constitution survives, the name of Babasaheb
Ambedkar will remain immortal. He lives forever in the hearts of every downtrodden. The
first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, praised for the services rendered by Dr
Ambedkar in the constituting the Indian Constitution:
“I have carefully watched the day-to-day activities from the presidential seat. Therefore, I
appreciate more than others with how much dedication and vitality this task has been
carried out by the Drafting Committee and by its chairman Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar in
particular. We never did a better thing than having Dr Ambedkar on the Drafting Committee
and selecting him as its chairman.”
CONTRIBUTION IN MAKING OF CONSTITUTION
The Fundamental Rights
Ambedkar was a champion of fundamental rights and said:
“I came into the constitution assembly with a greater aspiration then to safeguard the
interest of the scheduled castes. I had not the remotest idea that I would be called upon to
undertake more responsible function. I was, therefore, surprised when the assembly elected
to me the Drafting Committee. I was more than surprised when the Drafting Committee
elected me to be its chairman”. The Part III of the Indian Constitution guarantees the
fundamental rights to the citizens against the state. Some of the fundamental rights
contained in Articles 15(2), 17, 23, and 24 are also enforceable against individuals as they
are very significant rights relating to the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion,
race, caste, sex or place of birth etc. The text prepared by Ambedkar provided constitutional
guarantees and protections for a wide range of civil liberties for individual citizens, including
freedom of religion, the abolition of untouchability and outlawing all forms of
discrimination. Ambedkar argued for extensive economic and social rights for women.
Dr. Ambedkar was rather more instrumental in incorporating Article 17 which provides for
the ‘Abolition of Untouchability’ whereby “Untouchability’’ is abolished and its practice in
any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of “Untouchability’’ shallbe an offence punishable in accordance with law. Based on this article, the Civil rights
Protection Act 1965 and the Prevention of Atrocities (Scheduled castes Scheduled tribes) Act
1989 was enacted by the Parliament for the protection of Dalit rights. Even though, caste-
based discrimination and violence still remains a fact of life in Today’s India, there has been
considerable progress for the historically disadvantaged sections of society.
There were numerous political parties have emerged on the strength of voters from the
oppressed sections, and the benefits of education and economic development have also
been gradually reaching these sections. The attainment of genuine social equality is of
course a gradual process and may be several generations away, but it was Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar who set us on this path with a written constitution based on the philosophy
considering its ‘people’ as the centre. It is not surprising that the invocation of his life and
contributions continues to be a major factor in political mobilization, even today.
He took all care to enshrine the progressive ideas and ideals of the National Congress into
the Constitution. It is perhaps under his spell-binding impact that government of India
introduced the bill in Lok Sabha prohibiting manual scavenging, with the provision to
rehabilitate those engaged in such inhuman employment and impose stringent measures to
stop such practices, quite recently. His role was equally crucial in introducing other
fundamental rights whereby Constitution provides for equal justice, freedom and dignity to
all Indian citizens irrespective of caste, creed or religion. It is in this context that New York
Times wrote, “The whole world acknowledges him as the leader of untouchables. But few
realized his permanent impact on the constitutional set up of India”. The text prepared by
Ambedkar provided constitutional guarantees and protections for a wide range of civil
liberties for individual citizens, including freedom of religion, the abolition of untouchability
and the outlawing of all forms of discrimination.
Though he made an outstanding contribution in framing the Constitution of India, his efforts
in enacting the Article 32 in the Constitution which guarantees a citizen the fundamental
right to move the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of his or her fundamental rights
was a noteworthy one. The rationale was to secure speedy and inexpensive justice to orders
or writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, certioraris etc. or any other appropriate
remedy, as the case may be, for the enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed by theConstitution. Dr Ambedkar regarded this provision as ‘‘the very soul of the Constitution and
the very heart of it''.
Socio-economic Justice for the people
The concept of socio-economic justice, as envisioned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is very well
reflected in the Directive principles of state policy. Part IV of the constitution, which is
entitled as directive principles of state policy, includes the right to adequate means of
livelihood, right against economic exploitation, right of both sexes to equal pay for equal
work, right to work, right to leisure and rest and right to public assistance in case of
unemployment, old age, sickness and like. This part also contains some principles of
economic and social justice and certain ideals which the state should strive to attain. Article
38, for instance, directs the state to bring about a social order where justice- social, political
and economic shall be uniform to all the institution of national life. Article 39, directs
creation of conditions where there will be no ‘concentration of wealth and means of
production to the common detriment’ and to see that the ‘ownership and control of the
material resources of the community are so distributed as the best to sub-serve the
common good’.
Parliamentary Democracy
According to B. R. Ambedkar “The Parliamentary system differs from a non- parliamentary
system in as much as the former is more responsible than the latter, but they also differ as
to the time and agency for assessment of their responsibility. The Drift Constitution in
recommending the Parliamentary system of executive has preferred more responsibility to
more stability”. He was a strong advocate of the parliamentary form of government right
from the inception of the Government of India Act of 1935. He firmly believed that the
parliamentary system of government alone can usher in an egalitarian society through the
application of the principles of social democracy. Dr Ambedkar’s social democracy
comprised politicians, political parties with high standards of political morality, honesty and
integrity and strong and highly responsible Opposition party or parties committed to the
cause of the downtrodden and depressed classes. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution
(drafted by Dr. Ambedkar) echoes the principles of parliamentary democracy ensuring to
“secure to all its citizens—Justice, Social, Economic and Political; Liberty of thought,expression, belief, faith and worship, Equality of status and of opportunity and to promote
among them all—Fraternity….”
Hence, Dr Ambedkar was a strong advocate of the federal structure of the Union and States
based on the principles of a strong Centre and independent States. Dr Ambedkar also did
great service to the nation by proposing the institution of a unified judicial system and
common All India Services with a view to strengthen national unity and integrity.
Protective Discrimination/Reservation for the people
The real contribution of Ambedkar is reflected in the protective discrimination scheme or
the reservation policy of the government envisaged under some provisions of Part III and
many of Part IV dealing with the constitutional mandate to ameliorate the condition of the
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the other backward classes. Provisions like
Articles 15(4), 16 (4) and Article 30 dealing with the protection of minorities are some of the
notable examples of Part III and Part XI, and Schedule V and VI dealing with the upliftment
of the Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes speak clearly about the substantial and
significant contribution of Ambedkar for the development of untouchables. Ambedkar made
it his mission to uplift the untouchables and other downtrodden masses from the unequal
position of inferiority to that of equal position of parity in socio-economic status with high-
caste Hindus. For achieving this goal the reservation policy or the scheme of protective
discrimination was advocated and implemented by him for ten years (from the date of
enforcement of Constitution) at least to ameliorate the conditions of the down-trodden
sections of Hindu society.
State Socialism
Dr Ambedkar advocated his economic doctrine of “state socialism” in the draft Constitution.
He proposed state ownership of agriculture with a collectivized method of cultivation and a
modified form of state socialism in the field of industry. But due to strong opposition in the
Constitution Assembly, he could not incorporate his scheme of state socialism under the
fundamental rights as a part of the Constitution.
The core of Dr Ambedkar’s political thinking is contained in his statements like— ‘rights are
protected not by law but by the social and moral conscience of society;’ and a democratic
form of government presupposes a democratic form of society. Social conscience is the only
safeguard of all rights, fundamental or non-fundamental. For Ambedkar, Democracy isessentially a form of society, a mode of associated living. The roots of democracy are to be
searched in the social relationship, and in the terms of associated life between the people
who form a society. Ambedkar knew that mere adoption of a democratic system of
government in the Constitution would not be sufficient. Equality in society, equality before
law and administration, constitutional morality, lack of tyranny of the majority and
developing public conscience are conditions for the success of democracy in India.
The foremost condition for democracy, in Ambedkar’s opinion, is equality in society as
equality is the foundation stone where the notions of liberty and fraternity develop. Dr
Ambedkar also recognized the fact that the lofty ideals expressed in the Constitution would
remain as they were, given the nature of contradictions inherent in society. To deny equality
in social and economic life would be putting political democracy in peril. If the
contradictions are not removed, those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure
of political democracy which Constituent Assembly has laboriously built up.
The observations made by Dr. Ambedkar on November, 25, 1949 are prophetic and relevant
considering the present political situation in our country. However the good a Constitution
may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a
bad lot. However bad a Constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those who are
called to work it, happen to be a good lot. The Constitution can provide only the organs of
state such as legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The factors on which the workings
of these organs of state depend are the people and the political parties they will set up as
their instruments to carry out their wishes and policies.
Social Philosophy
Ambedkar was, par excellence, a spokesman of the ignored humanity—the workers, small
peasants and landless labourers. He expressed the sorrows of the untouchables and tried
sincerely to channel the activities of the depressed classes. In mobilising them, he created a
sense of self-respect and pride in them. He dedicated his life to the cause of removal of
untouchability and completely identified himself with the socially segregated section of the
Indian society. He launched a life-long crusade for liberating them from their centuries-old
enslavement and ostracism. It is this crusade which “lifted him up high from a mere ghetto
boy to a legend in his own lifetime”. He was born an untouchable and therefore he had an
intense yearning to see that the untouchables are better placed in social, political andeconomic fields. He was for a total reorganisation and reconstruction of the Hindu society
on two main principles—equality and absence of casteism. Dr. Ambedkar entertained a
dream that political democracy can also be translated into social democracy. He tried to
restructure a totally dilapidated structure.
Ambedkar’s thinking arose out of his acute dissatisfaction with the anomalous treatment
meted out to the people of his community. His mind was preoccupied with the social
amelioration, political enlightenment, economic well-being and spiritual awakening of the
downtrodden. He had a deep faith in fundamental human rights, in the equal rights of man
and woman, in the dignity of the individual, in the promotion of better standards of life and,
above all, in peace and security in all spheres of human life. He was a champion of a
revolution to be brought about by the dynamics of public opinion through a change in the
laws of the land. He was not a Utopian, but a realist. He saw a vast difference between a
revolution and real social change. For him, the transfer of power must be accompanied by
such distribution of power that the result would be a real social change in the relative
strength of forces operating in society.
Ambedkar was entirely committed to the annihilation of the caste system. According to him,
caste system is not merely a division of labour but a division of labourers. It is a hierarchy in
which the division of labourers is graded one above other. This division of labour is based on
neither natural aptitude nor choice of the individual concerned. It is, therefore, harmful
inasmuch as it involves the subordination of man’s natural powers and inclinations to the
exigencies of social rules. Ambedkar reiterated: “The caste system prevents common
activity and by preventing it, it has prevented the Hindus from becoming a society with
unified life and a consciousness of its own being.”
Hence, the Ambedkar’s great vision enjoined the abolition of casteism in every shape and
form, since he was opposed to all divisive forces and aimed at strengthen the impulse of
national integration. The greatly cherished ideals of “fraternity and equality were the
cement with which he wanted to bind together a totally cohesive nation”. His long-range
response was a direct attack against the root cause i.e. the caste system. Baba Sahib was
indeed a friend, philosopher and a guide to the people belonged to low strata of society. All
these people have seen a ray of hope through the eyes of Baba Sahab. It was a greatexpectation which has paved the way to lighten the path of the down-trodden people of
India.
CONCLUSION
Main objective of Dr. BR Ambedkar was to uproot the evil of deep rooted caste system and
to transform this country from uncivilized state to civilized state. The Indian constitution is
evolved as a result of Dr. BR Ambedkar’s relentless efforts and strategic approach to the
system. The provisions made by Dr. BR Ambedkar in Indian Constitution which has enabled
the Dalits and Women to enjoy the prospects of freedom, and to realize their individual
identity. The all round development of disadvantaged groups in India (which is getting
visible, though at a miniscule level) is only because of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. What ails a
sensible citizen today is the lack of interest for the effective implementation of Constitution.
The need of the hour is to implement the constitution in its true spirit. It will enable the
Indian society to overcome all social and economic evils that the Nation is facing. While
Manu introduced social stratification on the basis of caste, Dr. Ambedkar envisioned
annihilation of caste in India. Indian Hindu orthodoxy stood by Manu while Ambedkar stood
for Dalits and women development in India. Ambedkar defeated Manu through Constitution
by incorporating several articles in it to ensure individual human dignity, human rights,
equal opportunities and most importantly social justice.
The conditions of the untouchables and depressed sections of Indian society have not
changed much. Social and economic justice is still evading them. The pathetic condition of
the depressed classes has not shown the expected improvement. Social and economic
inequalities continue to persist. Ambedkar’s dream of a society based on socio- economic
justice, human dignity and equality is yet to be realised. Dr Ambedkar’s legacy will have to
be retrieved and extended by activists committed to the social and cultural renaissance he
had envisioned; and not by the political purveyors of an exhausted rhetoric who claim to
speak in his name. His title to this dignity rests upon the social purposes he served and in
the way he served them. His life is a saga of great struggles and achievements. His message
to the people was: “You must have firm belief in sacredness of your mission. Noble is your
aim and sublime and glorious is your mission. Blessed are those who are awakened to their
duty to those among whom they are born”. In fact he played a pivotal role in the making of
the Indian Constitution and chiefly responsible for drafting of the Constitution of India.Hence, the contribution of Baba Ambedkar is unforgettable for the people of India. The
people of India have received the liberty through the Ballot Box. Indeed, the whole credit
goes to the Baba Sahab Ambedkar for his outstanding contribution work for the country like
India.
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