1.

The Meaning of Social Justice

Social Justice revolves around how a society distributes its socio-economic resources. The ideal
is a society where everyone is treated equally. While it's acknowledged that people are born
with different capabilities, Social Justice focuses on rectifying man-made inequalities. It doesn't
seek to eliminate natural differences but aims to correct injustices created by society.

The foundation of Social Justice lies in the Kantian ideal that every person possesses dignity.
Therefore, the goal is to ensure that everyone can live with dignity. Equality is a central theme,
not in the sense of absolute sameness but in treating equals equally. Social Justice advocates
for special treatment to address historical deprivations and inequalities.

This concept is particularly relevant in societies where certain sections have faced injustice.
Social Justice seeks to foster social solidarity by upholding the dignity of each individual and
providing for basic needs. Policies, such as affirmative action, are employed to implement these
ideals, aiming to correct historical injustices and promote equality.

2. Ambedkar's Views on Caste

The caste system, deeply rooted in Indian and Hindu society, was a target of various reformers,
including Jyotiba Phule and Periyar. However, Ambedkar's perspective on caste evolved based
on his firsthand experiences of facing discrimination upon returning to India.

Ambedkar criticized Brahminism and the dominance of Brahmins in Hinduism. The traditional
Hindu society is structured around Chatur-Varna (four varnas), with Brahmins at the top and
Shudras (now known as Scheduled Castes) at the bottom. This hierarchical system, determined
by birth, left no room for movement up or down the caste ladder.

Ambedkar contested this four-fold division, arguing that Shudras were originally Kshatriyas who
fell out with Brahmins and were subsequently marginalized. Education, according to Ambedkar,
was crucial for uplifting these marginalized communities.

He waged a multifaceted attack on the caste system through his writings and speeches,
differing in approach from Gandhi. While Gandhi advocated reconciliation, Ambedkar favored
confrontation. The famous debate between Gandhi and Ambedkar highlighted their differing
views on the caste question.

Gandhi believed that caste, in its present form, wasn't an integral part of Hindu society,
attributing it to a perversion of the Varna system. Ambedkar, however, argued that caste and
Varna were inseparable, sanctioned by religious scriptures.

Ambedkar initially sought the reform of Hinduism to abolish the caste system. Over time, he
concluded that caste was ingrained in Indian society, leading him and his followers to convert to
Buddhism. Ambedkar saw Buddhism as a progressive, homegrown religion rooted in scientific
principles and equality, rejecting the caste system.

In summary, Ambedkar's views on caste evolved from advocating for reform within Hinduism to
ultimately embracing Buddhism as a path to escape the deeply entrenched caste system.

Ambedkar and the Question of Social Justice

Ambedkar strongly advocated for the removal of the caste system to establish a society based
on equality. Unlike gradual approaches, he believed in dismantling the old system entirely,
comparing it to pulling down a dilapidated house and building a new one. This contrasted with
Gandhi's more gradual approach to reform the caste system.

Ambedkar connected the caste issue to the strength of the nation, asserting that a strong nation
requires unity among its citizens. The caste system, according to him, perpetuated division into
privileged and deprived sections, becoming deeply ingrained in Hindu society. This division
affected individuals' life chances and determined their identity and future.

Educated in the West, Ambedkar was familiar with concepts of equality, rights, and liberty. He
recognized that Indian society contradicted these principles, with upper castes maintaining
dominance by controlling access to education. To address historical injustices, he emphasized
the importance of educating and politicizing the depressed classes.

During colonial rule, Ambedkar pursued three key objectives for social justice. Firstly, he
emphasized education with a special focus on women. Secondly, he worked to convince British
authorities to sincerely address the problems faced by Dalits. Thirdly, he aimed to politicize the
depressed classes, raising awareness about their rights and degraded status.

To achieve these goals, Ambedkar played a pivotal role in establishing political parties,
participated in Round Table Conferences, and advocated for reservation of seats for Dalits. He
also founded the People's Education Society, initiating numerous schools and colleges for Dalit
education. His efforts aimed at familiarizing the depressed classes with the language of rights
and equality.

Ambedkar's struggle for social justice extended to challenging social evils contributing to the
exclusion of depressed classes. He led movements, including temple satyagrahas and
campaigns for access to public places, courts, and inter-dining. Gandhi supported these
movements, emphasizing their significance.

Despite his efforts to reform Hindu society based on scientific principles, Ambedkar faced
opposition from the orthodox sections. Eventually, he embraced Buddhism, convinced that
understanding the basic purpose of religion would lead many Hindus to join Buddhism.
Ambedkar encouraged Dalits to lead their own fight, emphasizing the importance of gaining
professional skills and education. He urged them to dissociate from practices deemed
untouchable and to strive for positions in the government for enhanced confidence and
self-respect.

In addition to championing the cause of Dalits, Ambedkar also advocated for the welfare of
women and other deprived sections. He rejected the subordination of women, supporting their
rights over property, daughters' inheritance, and married women's right to divorce. Echoing
Swami Vivekananda, he emphasized that a society failing to respect its women cannot be
considered a humane society.

In essence, Ambedkar's quest for social justice encompassed a multifaceted approach,

Ambedkar's Activities After Independence

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a crucial role after India gained independence in 1947. His main task
was drafting the Indian Constitution. In the Constituent Assembly, he strongly advocated for the
rights of deprived sections, minorities, and women. With the passage of the Government of
India Act in 1935, political representation was granted to depressed classes, allowing Ambedkar
to focus more on socio-political reforms.

Constitutional Drafting and Social Justice Advocacy

Ambedkar was appointed as the chairman of the drafting committee of the Constituent
Assembly. His focus shifted towards advocating social justice for the newly independent nation.
Rejecting Gandhian principles, he emphasized the need for a supportive state with policies to
address socially-engendered disadvantages. He proposed three steps for achieving social
justice: constitutional measures, political representation through reserved seats, and reservation
in public employment.

Democracy and Rule of Law

Ambedkar stressed that these measures could only be effective in a democratic polity governed
by the rule of law. He believed that democracy should be informed by laws sensitive to
democratic concerns. Supporting both individual and group rights, he expanded the scope of
rights to cover socio-economic rights, minorities, and cultural groups. A strong and enabling
state, according to Ambedkar, was essential to implement these provisions and protect
individual rights.

Ambedkar and National Integration

Constitutional Safeguards

Ambedkar's efforts resulted in the inclusion of provisions in the Indian Constitution to protect the
interests of deprived people. Fundamental rights, such as equality before the law (Article 14),
prohibition of discrimination (Article 15), and abolition of untouchability (Article 17), were
established. The Directive Principles of State Policy also directed the state to work for the
welfare of deprived sections.

Conclusion

Ambedkar dedicated his life to the mission of abolishing untouchability and empowering
deprived classes. His relentless fight for social justice led to increased awareness among the
illiterate and exploited. The Indian state has continued to pursue the welfare of deprived
classes, and their awareness of rights has prevented exploitation. Ambedkar's impact goes
beyond legal measures; he has become a symbol for Dalit empowerment, influencing political
parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party and Dalit Panthers.

Social Solidarity through Fraternity

Ambedkar emphasized social solidarity through fraternity, considering it crucial for achieving
true liberty and equality. He urged Indians to forget caste differences for the sake of fraternity.
His conception of social justice extended to the sphere of religion, where he saw it as a
universal concept for humanity, based on scientific and rational principles.

Unfinished Journey towards Social Justice

In conclusion, despite progress, the goal of social justice envisioned by Ambedkar is yet to be
fully realized. The Indian state and its citizens must work together to achieve Ambedkar's ideal
of a just and egalitarian society. The legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar continues to inspire efforts
towards a more inclusive and equal India.