their hereditary status.
- It breeds narrow-mindedness, as individuals focus only on preserving their own caste identity and do not build relationships with members of other castes, leading to a lack of national consciousness.
- Castes hold such power that they can punish or excommunicate any member who violates their rules.
Thus, Dr. Ambedkar tried to emphasize that the caste system is a major social distortion in Indian society, with consequences that are highly damaging. The lack of unity due to caste prevents consensus on national matters and divides society into several fragmented parts. According to him, caste has not only negatively impacted Hindu society but has also poisoned India ' s political, economic, and moral life.
Dr. Ambedkar strongly opposed untouchability, which he deemed unjust. Through various historical examples, he tried to show that there is no logical, social, or occupational justification for the existence of untouchability, and hence, he rejected the system in unequivocal terms.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar believed that for the true upliftment of Hindu society, the complete eradication of untouchability was essential. He not only presented a theoretical viewpoint on eliminating untouchability but also actively awakened public consciousness through his various movements and initiatives. He suggested constructive programs and organized campaigns at social, political, economic, moral, and educational levels to eliminate this evil.
Dr. Ambedkar opposed the foundational beliefs of Hindu society and religion that led to the birth of narrow concepts like untouchability.
He believed that to establish a system based on liberty, equality, and justice within Hindu society, strict reforms in religious texts and social norms were necessary. He advocated that scriptures which promote social injustice should not be considered authoritative. According to him, for the upliftment of Hindu society, caste-based restrictions needed to be abolished.
He believed that inter-caste marriages would gradually weaken caste barriers, as the mixing of blood among different castes would foster a sense of kinship. Dr. Ambedkar encouraged inter-caste marriages and community meals and actively participated in such events whenever he got the opportunity. He firmly believed that the upliftment of Dalits could not be achieved by mere sympathy and goodwill of the upper castes. True progress would happen only when the Dalits themselves became
April 2025 | Dalit Andolan Patrika 41