Dr. B.R.

Ambedkar’s view
on social Democracy
HARSHIT PITHAURIA
SEMESTER -2
BALLB
 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was one of the very important
political thinkers and social revolutionaries that
modern India has produced.
• Dr. Ambedkar's sociological approach was to
abolish untouchability , temple entry, opening of
educational instutions for Dalit and Backward
castes as entry points to attack Brahmanical
hegemonic theory for exploitation, control and
manipulation of the Dalit masses in order to
annihilate caste
• Ambedkar's legacy as a socio-political reformer had a deep effect
on modern India.
• In post-Independence India, his socio-political thought is respected
across the political spectrum. His initiatives have influenced various
spheres of life and transformed the way India today looks at socio-
economic policies, education and affirmative action through socio-
economic and legal incentives. His reputation as a scholar led to
his appointment as free India's first law minister, and chairman of
the committee for drafting the constitution. He passionately
believed in individual freedom and criticised caste society. His
accusations of Hinduism as being the foundation of the caste system
made him controversial and unpopular among Hindus.
 SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

• social democracy is a political, social and economic philosophy within

• Dr. Ambedkar did not propound any specific definition or theory of "Social
Justice" per se.
• His thoughts are eloquently portrayed in his writings and speeches published
posthumously.

• On the basis of these we can easily argue that Ambedkar has mentioned
multiple principles for the establishment of an open and just social order in
general and Indian society in particular.

Therefore with the help of these elements we can carve out a theory of social
justice, what can then be then referred as Ambedkar's theory of Social Justice.
 Ambedkar’s Three warnings
1.)The first warning was to do away with all methods of revolution, including
the Gandhian method of Satyagraha. Ambedkar believed that while these
methods were warranted under the British Raj, there was no place for them
when constitutional methods were at our disposal after Independence.
2.)The second warning was to avoid hero-worship, regardless of how great
or tall the leader is. Ambedkar believed hero-worship was a sure way to the
degradation of democratic institutions, and would eventually lead to
dictatorship. India has already gone down this path with Indira Gandhi. The
‘bhakti’ of her followers made her believe she was greater and more
important than the institutions she represented.
3.)The third warning was that India should not just remain content with
political democracy, but strive for social democracy as well. Ambedkar said
if we as a society continue to deny equality in our social and economic life,
then this could one day become a threat to our political democracy.
 Ambedkar addressed in constituent
assembly
• that, we must not be content with mere political democracy. We must make
out political democracy. We must make out of a social democracy as well.
Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social
democracy. What does social democracy mean? It means a way of life,
which recognizes liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life."
 Dr. Ambedkar said that,

"the reverence, which the Hindu society had for this ideal Mould of
'Chaturvarnya', is not only beyond question but also beyond description.

caste in India means an artificial chopping off of the population into fixed
and definite units, each one prevented from fusing into another through
the custom of endogamy."
In constituent assembly Dr. Ambedkar said,

• "I can't see how a Socialist State in India can function for a second
without having to grapple with the problems created by the prejudices
which make Indian people observe the distinctions of high and low,
clean and unclean."
• Basically, Ambedkar was focusing on adoption of such means that best suited
to the concerned society. And for India, establishment of social democracy
is the only way for the achievement of equality and justice. Thinkers such
as, Montesquieu and Hobbes, believed that all forms of government are not
suited to all countries.
• He favored the democracy of west But, "democracy" meant much
more to him than democratic government.
• So as he said
"Democracy is not merely a form of government for me. It is primarily a
mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is
essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellowmen."
• Dr B.R. Ambedkar wanted economic and social equalities before
political equality; he tried his best to ensure that the
downtrodden got a proper place in society.
• Hence, he gave more importance to social justice than political
justice; on equal opportunity with individual liberty were laid much
emphasis to root out the differences created by the caste system of
the country.
• As a result to that Article 17 of the Indian

• Constitution declares untouchability as abolished. Ambedkar, in his

• In the Constituent Assembly for the passage of the Constitution, said 'I
have completed my work; I wish there should be a sunrise even
tomorrow. The new Bharat has got political freedom, but it is yet to
raise the sun of social and economic liberty.'
THANK YOU