Dr.
Ambedkar’s Views on the Role of the State
Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of the Indian state was one of proactive intervention to safeguard the
rights and dignity of marginalized groups. He believed that the state should not only act as a
protector of individual rights but also as an instrument for social and economic reform. This view
is particularly relevant in the current context, where debates about the role of the state in
addressing inequality and promoting social justice are ongoing.
Ambedkar’s advocacy for affirmative action policies (reservations for Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes) was rooted in his belief that without state
intervention, the oppressed classes would remain locked in a cycle of poverty and exploitation.
He was acutely aware of the systemic barriers to social mobility faced by Dalits and other
marginalized groups and argued that affirmative action was necessary to level the playing field.
In contemporary India, reservations continue to be a contentious issue. Critics argue that
affirmative action leads to reverse discrimination, while supporters maintain that it is an essential
tool to combat historical injustices and provide equal opportunities to disadvantaged groups.
Ambedkar’s thoughts on affirmative action remain central to these debates, especially as India
seeks to strike a balance between social justice and merit-based selection. His emphasis on the
need for continuous social and economic support to marginalized communities, beyond mere
quotas, is an important part of the ongoing discussion about social equity in India.
The Importance of Education in Ambedkar’s Thought
Education was one of the cornerstones of Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for social change. He viewed
education as the primary means for empowerment and social mobility, especially for Dalits and
other marginalized groups. Ambedkar’s own struggle for education, overcoming the barriers of
caste-based discrimination in schools and colleges, exemplifies the transformative power of
education. He believed that education could break the shackles of caste and enable individuals to
challenge social hierarchies.
In the contemporary context, education remains a key issue in India, especially for the Dalits and
Adivasis. Despite the progress made in increasing literacy rates and providing access to
education, disparities in educational attainment persist. Children from marginalized communities
often face discrimination in schools, lack of adequate infrastructure, and limited access to quality
education. Ambedkar’s call for educational empowerment resonates in the modern context,
where ensuring equitable access to education and addressing caste-based discrimination in
educational institutions is still a major challenge.
Moreover, Ambedkar was a proponent of modern education that emphasized rational thinking,
scientific temper, and social equality. In an era where superstition, religious dogma, and
irrational beliefs still hold sway over large sections of society, Ambedkar’s advocacy for critical
thinking and a scientific worldview remains of immense importance. His vision of an educated
and enlightened society, free from the shackles of caste and superstition, continues to inspire
educational reforms aimed at fostering a more inclusive and rational society.
