services, suggesting that a reservation system should be implemented. He emphasized the need for constitutional and legal provisions to ensure fair inclusion of Dalits in employment and decision-making bodies. According to him, Dalits should also be given sufficient representation in ministerial cabinets, as he feared that in a majorityrule system, their rights and interests might be neglected. However, with appropriate representation in the executive branch, they could counter any neglect, protect their rights, and successfully implement developmentoriented policies and programs through the government machinery.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was deeply disturbed by the inferior status of women in Indian society. He strongly criticized literature and ideologies that promoted discrimination against women. He believed that the upliftment and progress of Dalits would not be possible without the advancement of women. According to him, education was crucial for women to lead a life of dignity and independence. Dr. Ambedkar consistently advocated for gender equality and equal rights for women and men.
This commitment was clearly reflected during his tenure as the first Law Minister of independent India, when he introduced the Hindu Code Bill in Parliament. This bill aimed to ensure justice for Hindu women through comprehensive legal provisions. During the drafting of the Indian Constitution as well, he made significant efforts to give constitutional recognition to gender equality.
Dr. Ambedkar’ s social thought reveals a deep concern for the upliftment of the oppressed, including the untouchables, Dalits, and other marginalized sections of society. Through their progress, he envisioned the creation of an ideal society built upon the fundamental principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity. He was a great social reformer who strived to transform the unjust and oppressive structure of Indian society and establish social justice.
Dr. Ambedkar not only opposed centuries of injustice against Dalits, backward classes, and untouchables at a theoretical level, but also awakened a sense of self-respect and consciousness among the oppressed through his movements and actions. In this way, Dr. Ambedkar’ s life became a profound source of learning and inspiration for all those who are committed to the cause of justice and empowerment. �
April 2025 | Dalit Andolan Patrika 43