Dr BR Ambedkar is one of the most luminous figures of modern Indian history and the principal architect of our constitution. He endeavoured to build a new social order based on the democratic ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity. Let us look back at one of his most iconic speeches at the Constituent Assembly.
On November 24, 1949, B. R. Ambedkar presented his concluding remarks on the adoption of the Constitution in the Constituent Assembly. His address recalled the detailed discussions and deliberations on fundamental rights, union powers, and upliftment of minorities that laid the foundation of our Constitution’s legal framework. But what makes this speech significant in present-day’s political environment is its orators prophetic predictions of the factors that threaten India’s political identity as a socialist democracy.
The quest of the hour Even at the helm of liberty, what crippled Ambedkars mind with anxiety was the thought of the stronghold ideals of caste and creed had on the average citizen. Recalling past incidents like the invasion of Sind by Mahommed-Bin-Kasim, he elaborated on how India had once before lost its independence to the treachery of its people and the rise of new political parties that possess diverse and opposing political standing can cause history to repeat itself.
He declared that the day politicians choose creed over the country, the purpose of democracy will be defeated.
Therefore, the quest of the hour was to ensure that proper measures are taken to enforce and safeguard equality, liberty and fraternity as a nascent nation moved forward
Abandon the grammar of anarchy
In his address to the constituent assembly, Ambedkar implored to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving social and economic objectives and abandon methods of rebellion like civil disobedience, non-cooperation and satyagraha. According to him, in a society that is built on good well and justice and is governed by leaders elected by the people there is no valid justification to employ unsanctioned methods of rebellion.
Dangers of hero-worship Calling Bhakti culture or Hero-worship a sure road to degradation and eventual dictatorship, he said “There is nothing wrong in being grateful to great men who have rendered lifelong services to the country. But there are limits to gratefulness… With independence, we have lost the excuse of blaming the British for anything going wrong. If hereafter things go wrong, we will have nobody to blame. Except ourselves…If we wish to preserve the Constitution…let us resolve not to be tardy in the recognition of the evils that lie across our path…nor to be weak in our initiative to remove them. That is the only way to serve the country. I know of no better.” (excerpt from the speech)
Key takeaways from the speech
1. Equality, liberty and fraternity are the foundations of our constitution.
2. Blind faith in any entity or individual is an enemy of the truth.
3. A good citizen understands the responsibility that comes with freedom.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Dr Ambedkar was the first law minister of Independent India
- Ambedkar’s 20-page autobiography titled “Waiting for a Visa” is part of Columbia University’s curriculum.
- Ambedkar was the first member of the backward classes to become a lawyer.
- Ambedkar was the first and only Satyagrahi to conduct “Satyagraha for drinking water”. Ambedkar had master’s degrees in around 64 subjects and was the first Indian to obtain a doctorate in Economics from a foreign university.
Picture Credit : Google
