Ambedkar’s legacy beyond his persona

The ongoing debate between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the legacy of B R Ambedkar often sidelines the revolutionary essence of his contributions. While Ambedkar’s critiques of the Congress’ paternalistic attitudes and the conservative-Brahmanical values of right-wing ideologies are well-documented, these ideological tussles frequently overshadow his profound vision for the upliftment of Dalits and other marginalised communities. Discussions about his legacy too often neglect the stark socio-economic deprivation still faced by these groups. The current discourse reduces Ambedkar’s legacy to abstract debates, avoiding a focus on the very communities for whom he waged a relentless struggle. 

Ambedkar’s work played a pivotal role in redefining the identity of lower-caste communities, especially the ‘untouchable’ castes. By challenging the Brahmanical notions that deemed them outcastes and impure, he empowered Dalits to envision themselves as equal citizens of India. Post-Ambedkar, the term “Dalit” emerged as a modern, empowering identity, dismantling prejudicial labels with aspirations for liberty, equality, and fraternity. This versatile and inclusive identity united marginalised groups in their quest for justice without enforcing a monolithic structure. These struggles for socio-economic empowerment have significantly strengthened Indian democracy, making it more inclusive and responsive to marginalised voices.

The Indian Constitution, drafted under Ambedkar’s leadership, stands as a beacon of social justice. It compels governing elites to address social disparities, economic inequalities, and caste hierarchies. Policies like reservations have diversified State institutions and democratised power structures, enabling Dalits, Adivasis, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to gain representation in governance and access opportunities once denied to them. For Dalits in particular, these policies have fostered a small but impactful middle class, integrating them into India’s political and economic frameworks. Ambedkar’s vision has thus brought democracy closer to India’s poorer and marginalised sections.

The socio-economic progress of Dalits in contemporary India is noteworthy. Constitutional safeguards have allowed many to overcome historical injustices and actively contribute to national development. Dalit leaders, activists, and intellectuals are increasingly visible in legislative bodies, civil society organisations, and middle-class cultural spheres, challenging caste-based discrimination. Additionally, the neoliberal capitalist expansion has enabled Dalit entrepreneurs to emerge, marking a significant shift for a community historically denied basic human rights. Such participation has made Dalits integral to India’s democratic processes, empowering them to demand social justice and economic equity.

However, traditional hierarchies remain deeply entrenched, often disallowing the Dalits and other marginalised communities from becoming an integral segment of social progress and economic development. In urban areas, social spaces divided by linguistic and caste-based kinships often hesitate to accept Dalits as equals. In rural areas, caste divisions are even more pronounced, sometimes erupting into violent assaults. Caste prejudices are particularly evident in marital relationships, where inter-caste unions are perceived as threats to socio-cultural pride by traditional elites. Persistent cases of sexual violence, arson, and lynching against the Dalits underscore the failure of the social milieu to evolve into one of civilised association. 

While a market economy is often seen as a catalyst of social change, its benefits remain unevenly distributed. Economic liberalisation has elevated a segment of Dalits to middle-class status, but most still endure precarious living conditions, excluded from the broader narrative of economic growth. The market, bound by traditional social networks, offers limited opportunities for marginalised communities. As a result, many Dalits remain confined to menial labour, unable to break through barriers. Despite decades of market reforms, India has yet to produce a substantial number of Dalit business leaders or entrepreneurs. 

The current discussions on Ambedkar refuse to engage with substantive issues of socio-economic justice and portray him mainly as an antagonist against the nationalist social elite leadership. Populist political discourse often limits Ambedkar’s legacy to his critiques of dominant ideologies, neglecting his broader vision of empowering the oppressed. Reviving Ambedkar’s legacy requires moving beyond his heroic persona and focusing on his call for the liberation of subaltern groups. By invoking Ambedkar’s vision, India can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society, ensuring that the worst-off social groups are not left behind in the journey of nation-building.

(The writer teaches at the Centre for Political Studies, JNU)