Whose Ambedkar? Contested Legacies and Enduring Relevance

Courtesy: Telegraph India

The name of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar reverberates across Indian society like few others. As the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a tireless campaigner against caste-based discrimination, Ambedkar’s life and work have been subject to intense scrutiny, veneration, and at times, contention. Central to this discourse is the question: “Whose Ambedkar?” – an inquiry that probes the multifaceted legacy of this iconic figure and how diverse ideological camps have attempted to appropriate his thoughts to further their agendas. This opinion takes into account the competing narratives surrounding Ambedkar, examining how his vision has been interpreted, co-opted, and at times, distorted by various political and social movements.

Born into a  Mahar family in 1891, Ambedkar’s early life was marked by the harsh realities of caste oppression. His formative experiences of discrimination and deprivation instilled in him a relentless determination to dismantle the pernicious system of untouchability and uplift the downtrodden sections of society. Ambedkar’s pursuit of education – a privilege denied to many of his caste – was a pivotal step in his journey, one that allowed him to wield the power of knowledge as a weapon against injustice. Ambedkar’s multifaceted contributions spanned various domains, from his seminal works on caste and untouchability to his instrumental role in shaping the Indian Constitution. His approach was marked by a resolute commitment to social justice, democratic values, and the emancipation of the marginalised. It is this multidimensional legacy that has made him a figure of immense significance, claimed by diverse ideological camps seeking to align themselves with his vision. One prominent narrative that has emerged is that of Ambedkar as a champion of Dalit rights and a torchbearer of the anti-caste movement. Political parties and organizations representing Dalit interests have invoked Ambedkar’s name and teachings to further their cause, often framing him as a radical voice speaking against brahminical hegemony. This interpretation finds resonance in Ambedkar’s unequivocal condemnation of the caste system, his advocacy for the abolition of untouchability, and his unwavering commitment to the upliftment of the “depressed classes.”

However, reducing Ambedkar’s legacy to a narrow Dalit-centric narrative fails to capture the breadth and depth of his thought. Ambedkar’s vision transcended caste boundaries and encompassed a broader pursuit of social, economic, and political emancipation for all marginalized communities. His emphasis on universal education, women’s empowerment, and labour rights, among other issues, reveals a more expansive agenda of social transformation. 

Another perspective casts Ambedkar as a champion of constitutional democracy and a staunch defender of individual rights and liberties. His pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution and his advocacy for a robust system of checks and balances have endeared him to those who champion democratic values and civil liberties. This narrative portrays Ambedkar as a visionary statesman who sought to enshrine the principles of equality, freedom, and justice in the nation’s foundational document. Yet, others have sought to appropriate Ambedkar’s legacy, often selectively invoking aspects of his thought that align with their ideological leanings. In particular, left-leaning movements have highlighted Ambedkar’s socialist tendencies and his criticism of capitalism and private property, positioning him as an ally in their struggle against economic exploitation and inequality. That narrative portrays Ambedkar as a champion of the working class and a proponent of radical socio-economic transformation.

Amidst these competing narratives, it is crucial to recognise that Ambedkar’s thought and legacy resist simplistic categorisation or appropriation by any single ideological camp. His intellectual journey was marked by a constant evolution, shaped by his lived experiences, his extensive study of various philosophical and political traditions, and his unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the downtrodden. Ambedkar’s critique of Hinduism and his eventual conversion to Buddhism, for instance, cannot be reduced to a mere rejection of religious orthodoxy. It was a deeply personal and philosophical journey, rooted in his pursuit of a moral and ethical framework that might liberate the oppressed from the shackles of caste-based discrimination and exploitation.

Similarly, Ambedkar’s advocacy for the rights of women and his emphasis on gender equality cannot be viewed in isolation from his broader vision of social transformation. His recognition of the intersectionality of caste, class, and gender oppression evinced the holistic nature of his thought and demonstrated his commitment to addressing the multidimensional forms of marginalization that plagued Indian society. Amidst the myriad interpretations and appropriations of Ambedkar’s legacy, it is imperative to recognise that his true significance lies in the enduring relevance of many of his ideas for the ongoing struggle for social justice and human dignity. The enduring power of casteism, the persistence of economic inequality, and the fragility of democratic norms and civil liberties underscore the urgency of revisiting Ambedkar’s teachings and drawing from the well of his wisdom.

Ambedkar’s vision of an egalitarian society, rooted in the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, remains valid for getting rid of enduring legacies of oppression and discrimination. His emphasis on education as a tool for empowerment and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of reason and scientific inquiry chart a roadmap for building a more just and inclusive society. In this context, the question “Whose Ambedkar?” becomes secondary to the more pressing imperative of understanding his ideas and adopting his attitude of unwavering resistance against injustice. Rather than engaging in ideological contests over his legacy,  we should honour Ambedkar by actively working towards the realisation of his dream: a society where every individual, regardless of caste, creed, or circumstance, can live with dignity, freedom, and enjoy equal opportunities.

Ambedkar’s life and work serve as a powerful reminder that true liberation lies not merely in the absence of oppression but in the active pursuit of justice, equality, and human emancipation. His legacy transcends narrow ideological boundaries, offering a beacon of hope and a call to action for all those committed to the realization of a more just and humane world. Thus, the question “Whose Ambedkar?” is a complex and multifaceted one, reflecting the diverse narratives and interpretations that have emerged around this towering figure. However, amidst this diversity, one truth remains constant: Ambedkar’s enduring relevance lies in his unwavering commitment to the cause of social justice, his tireless efforts to dismantle systems of oppression, and his vision of a society built on the pillars of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is this universal legacy that must be embraced, celebrated, and perpetuated, transcending the narrow confines of ideological appropriation and serving as a guiding light for generations to come.