Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was a renowned social reformer, politician, and jurist who played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. He was a champion of the Dalit community and fought for their rights and equality in society. Dr Ambedkar was also a prolific writer and orator, and his speeches and writings continue to inspire people even today. In this article, we will explore some of the famous quotes of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar that reflect his wisdom, vision, and commitment to social justice.
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's Early Life
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, a small military town in present-day Madhya Pradesh. His father, Ramji Maloji Sakpal, was a Subedar in the British Indian Army, and his mother, Bhimabai, was a homemaker. Dr. Ambedkar belonged to the Mahar community, which was considered untouchable and subjected to social apartheid in India at that time. Despite facing discrimination and poverty, Dr. Ambedkar was a bright student and pursued his education with determination. He obtained a degree in Economics and Political Science from Bombay University and went on to study law in England, where he earned a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics.
Dr Ambedkar's Contribution to Indian Society
Dr Ambedkar dedicated his life to the cause of social justice and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the marginalized sections of society, especially the Dalits. He was a key figure in the Indian freedom struggle and played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution, which enshrined the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Dr Ambedkar was also the first Law Minister of independent India and initiated several progressive measures to reform the legal system and make it more equitable.
Famous Quotes of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
Dr Ambedkar was a visionary leader and his quotes reflect his deep insights into society and human nature. Here are some of his famous quotes that continue to inspire people across generations:
1. “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
Dr Ambedkar recognized the crucial role that women play in society and believed that their progress is a key indicator of a community’s progress.
2. “Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire which prevents the Hindus from co-mingling and which has, therefore, to be pulled down. Caste is a notion; it is a state of the mind.”
Dr Ambedkar argued that caste discrimination is not just a physical barrier, but a deeply ingrained mindset that perpetuates inequality.
3. “Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy.”
Dr Ambedkar believed that true democracy cannot be achieved without social equality and justice.
4. “If I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it.”
Dr Ambedkar was a staunch defender of the Constitution and believed that it must be used for the benefit of all citizens, not just a privileged few.
5. “Freedom of mind is the real freedom. A person whose mind is not free though he may not be in chains, is a slave, not a free man.”
Dr Ambedkar emphasized the importance of intellectual freedom and believed that true liberation can only be achieved when one’s mind is free.
6. “Religion must mainly be a matter of principles only. It cannot be a matter of rules. The moment it degenerates into rules, it ceases to be a religion, as it kills responsibility which is an essence of the true religious act.”
Dr Ambedkar believed that religion should be based on principles of morality and ethics, rather than rigid rules and rituals.
7. “I do not want that our loyalty as Indians should be in the slightest way affected by any competitive loyalty whether that loyalty arises out of our religion, out of our culture or out of our language. I want all people to be Indians first, Indian last, and nothing else but Indians.”
Dr Ambedkar believed in the unity and integrity of India, and believed that all citizens should put their loyalty to the country above any other allegiance.
8. “Law and order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.”
Dr Ambedkar recognized the importance of a strong legal system and believed that it was essential for maintaining social order and stability.
9. “We must stand on our own feet and fight as best as we can for our rights. So carry on your agitation and organize your forces. Power and prestige will come to you through struggle.”
Dr Ambedkar believed in the power of people to bring about change and encouraged them to fight for their rights through peaceful means.
10. “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
Dr Ambedkar recognized the crucial role that women play in society and believed that their progress is a key indicator of a community’s progress.
11. “Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle.”
Dr Ambedkar believed that social justice cannot be achieved through appeals to the privileged classes, but only through sustained struggle and collective action.
12. “Law and order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.”
Dr Ambedkar recognized the importance of a strong legal system and believed that it was essential for maintaining social order and stability.
13. “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
Dr Ambedkar recognized the crucial role that women play in society and believed that their progress is a key indicator of a community’s progress.
14. “The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.”
Dr Ambedkar emphasized the importance of mutual respect and affection in marriage, and believed that a healthy relationship between spouses was essential for building a strong family and society.
15. “I am proud of my country, but I am not proud of my countrymen.”
Dr Ambedkar recognized that while India had a rich history and culture, its people were still plagued by prejudice and inequality, and called for greater efforts to build a just and inclusive society.