ЗАРУБЕЖНЫЙ ОПЫТ Б. Р. АМБЕДКАРА: США, АНГЛИЯ, ГЕРМАНИЯ

Abstract

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an untouchable from the caste of mahars, was educated abroad with the support of the maharaja of Baroda. The goal of his studies at the Columbia University in New York was to learn about the struggle of the Black Americans. African Americans and their leaders influenced his ideology and policy regarding Indian untouchables, as the struggle of the dalits and the Blacks and their social situation are somewhat similar. Ambedkar’s works reflect the learnings from his American experience. In countrast with the multiple castes and subcastes of the untouchables, the Blacks are an endogamous group, and it is easier for them to unite in their struggle. As the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Ambedkar included in the Constitution a number of articles to protect the rights of the scheduled castes. He turned to Buddhism as a result of his quest to reform the caste system in order to end social discrimination of the Dalits. Ambedkar showed that each caste maintained its identity and that is why it was impossible to unite all untouchable castes. However, his accomplishments in the struggle for equal rights for all people allow hope that this historic goal will be achieved.