Ambedkar Jayanti Special: The Social Philosophy of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
This week in Daak:
1. Ambedkar Jayanti Special: The Social Philosophy of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
2. A Fragrance for Every Season
3. Daak Recommends
1. Ambedkar Jayanti Special: The Social Philosophy of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
However flawed our governance may be, India owes the crafting and adoption of a democratic constitution to Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956). A fierce defender of equality and freedom, Ambedkar was the law minister of the Government of India at the time of independence, and led the framing of the constitution, notably outlawing discrimination against the untouchables.
His first-hand experience of caste-based discrimination and humiliation throughout his childhood and adult life led him to become a champion of Dalit rights, and by extension, of other underrepresented minorities in the country. Ambedkar was a free thinker, social reformer, and political leader, publicly criticizing the outdated and prejudiced practices of Hinduism and other religions. Haunted by the persistence of untouchability, in 1956, Ambedkar renounced Hinduism and became a Buddhist along with two lakh fellow Dalits, at a public ceremony in Nagpur.
On his birth anniversary (called Ambedkar Jayanti, Bhim Jayanti or Equality Day), we remember his ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity.
My social philosophy may be said to be enshrined in three words: liberty, equality and fraternity. Let no one, however, say that I have borrowed my philosophy from the French Revolution. I have not. My philosophy has roots in religion and not in political science. I have derived them from the teachings of my Master, the Buddha. In his philosophy, liberty and equality had a place; but he added that unlimited liberty destroyed equality, and absolute equality left no room for liberty. In his philosophy, law had a place only as a safeguard against the breaches of liberty or equality; but he did not believe that law can be a guarantee for breaches of liberty or equality. He gave the highest place to fraternity as the only real safeguard against the denial of liberty or equality — fraternity which was another name for brotherhood or humanity, which was again another name for religion.
From an address to All India Radio, 1954
2. A Fragrance for Every Season
Choose from our range of natural perfumes made from flowers, plants, and famously, the earth. Prepared and bottled in Kannauj, the perfume capital of India, this Daak special edition has light and gentle perfumes for each season.
3. Daak Recommends
Check out this comprehensive archive of writings and speeches of Dr. Ambedkar and listen to his constituent assembly speech.
Also, watch a lecture by Dr. Shashi Tharoor on "Ambedkar: the quest for equality in India".