Dr. B.R Ambedkar, Dalit Movements and Social Justice in 21st Century
Author(s): Dr. Harjeet Singh
Publication #: 2603026
Date of Publication: 05.02.2025
Country: India
Pages: 1-6
Published In: Volume 11 Issue 1 February-2025
Abstract
Caste is a bitter truth of Indian society. According to Dr. Ambedkar “The caste system is not merely a division of labour. It is also a division of labourers”. Caste system is a tool of exploitation of labouring class. For the ruling class, caste system served both as an ideology and social system. In the opposition of castist social system untouchable castes mobilised themselves against Brahmnical feudal domination and exploitation. They interpret Brahmins as Aryan invaders who conquered the Dravidian race.
The anti-caste or anti-Brahminical movements in India can’t be understood without discussing the contribution of Dr. B. R Ambedkar. His “Annihilation of Caste” is extremely important work to understand caste system and anti-caste struggles. Ambedkar played an important role in mobilising the lower castes to struggle against caste oppression and to demand equal rights. He gave self-identity to the people who were suppressed for centuries. Ambedkar fought for democracy by demanding equality for dalits, by attacking caste system and by attacking feudal ideology and authority of Brahminism. Ambedkar is a source of inspiration for dalits. He was a liberal reformer of his time.
In the first section, this paper attempt to look at the structure of caste and role of Ambedkar how he understood caste system, how he consolidated dalits and how the programme to annihilate caste was. In the second half of the paper we try to understand the role of anti-caste movements to eliminate caste system from our society and also try to explain social justice in present time. There must be equality, liberty and justice in every society for healthy democratic setup and values. India can be considered democratic in the absence of caste system, social injustice and religious intolerance.
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