Ambedkar Jayanti, celebrated on April 14 as ‘Equality Day’, honors Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to social justice, law & equality and also, serves as a reminder to aim for the principles of an ideal society.
- Dr. Ambedkar in his seminal work ‘Annihilation of Caste’ had described his concept of ideal society.
Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of an Ideal Society
- Society: Ambedkar rejected Aristotelian view that society is an inherent, eternal entity, instead, he saw society as a dynamic system of relationships, based on human interactions.
- Principles Laid Down by Ambedkar for an Ideal Society
- 1st Principle: Individual as an end to himself, i.e., Society is not above the individual and it exists for the growth of the individual.
- 2nd Principle: The way people interact together in society should be based on the values liberty, equality, and fraternity. (See box)
- 3rd Principle: Ideal society must ensure political, economic and social justice by constitutional measures.
Means to realise Ideal Society
- Abolish Caste-Based Social Order: To Use reason and morality as tools for reform.
- Adopt State Socialism: Nationalize land and key industries to ensure one man one value.
- Ensure Political Equality: Build a system where every individual has an equal share in power.
- Use Constitutional Methods: Advocate social, economic, and political restructuring through constitutional means, not violence.
Ambedkar on Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
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