Revisiting Ambedkar’s Perception on Religious Identity and Political Modernity in India

Abstract

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an architect of a futuristic India, was a jurist, social reformer, as well as the founding father of the Indian Constitution. He was the first Law and Justice Minister of independent India, who served in first Nehru ministry during 1947–52. He dedicated his entire life for the betterment of India, Indian society, and the lives of the underprivileged in the nation. His goal was to make India more equitable, secular, and free. This goal guided all of his thoughts, projects, and achievements. Drawing on the teachings of Gautam Buddha, Jotirao Phule, and Kabir Saheb, Dr. Ambedkar challenged Hindutva from all directions, offering a fact-based and well-reasoned critique of Hinduism’s attitudes, practices, culture, and sacred texts. Seeking a religious solution for the untouchable issue, he and his numerous followers renounced Hinduism and converted to Buddhism in 1956. He believed that Buddhism was the most egalitarian and inclusive religion and that it aligned with his social justice and equality principles. He disagreed with majoritarianism, which in Indian parlance meant unbridled Hindu dominance. Dr. Ambedkar was an insightful individual with an incredible personality and multifaceted character. He firmly believed that India didn’t need to formally become a Hindu state by amending the Constitution to make Hinduism the official state religion. Dr. Ambedkar’s quest for justice, liberty and equality finds no match in the making of the Constitution of India. His farsightedness has laid the foundation of social, economic and political revolution in Indian society.