Saheb said that India is a nation in the making. To become a nation, it is essential first to recognize the reality that just living together on a piece of land with a few or many people does not create a nation. For nation-building, it is critical for individuals to transform from " I " to " we." He warned that it will not be easy for Indian society, divided into thousands of castes, to become a nation. Social and economic inequality and bitterness make this task difficult.
In his famous but never delivered speech, " Annihilation of Caste," Baba Saheb argued that caste is anti-national, and he emphasized the importance of its destruction. Baba Saheb’ s conception of the nation is modern. He talks about freedom, equality, and fraternity, but he does not view them as Western ideals. He draws these ideas from the teachings of Buddha and Buddhist traditions, not the French Revolution. Even the parliamentary system, according to him, has its roots in the Buddhist monastic tradition.
The principles of freedom and equality were established in the Constitution through laws and regulations. These ideas are highlighted in the chapter on fundamental rights. However, the idea of fraternity is equally, if not more, important. Can any law or Constitution teach people to live in brotherhood? Can it force people to share in the joys and sorrows
April 2025 | Dalit Andolan Patrika 7