Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar: Similarities and differences

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.

    Mahatma Gandhi had an evolutionary approach whereas Ambedkar had a revolutionary approach with respect to the upliftment of the downtrodden. The outcastes or untouchables because of their disadvantaged socio-economic status are regarded as the downtrodden. The constitution has used the term Scheduled Castes to identify this section of the community.

    Gandhi empathized with the downtrodden but believed that the varna system in itself wasn’t baneful and what was needed was reformation of the caste system . Ambedkar on the other hand believed that only annihilation of caste would bring about the emancipation of the downtrodden.

    Gandhi had a patronizing attitude and stressed in social work for the upliftment of the downtrodden whom he called as Harijans (beloved of God). Ambekar considered this as a far cry from truth and coined the term ‘Dalits’ to recognize them and advocated education and struggle for rights as means for empowerment of them.

    Ambedkar briefly considered the demand for separate electorate for Dalits. Gandhi feared that this would result in the break-up of Hinduism as well as Hindustan (by fragmentation of the nation) and launched a fast unto death to persuade Ambedkar to change his mind. Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact in 1932 by which reserved seats were increased for the scheduled castes (Dalits).

    Gandhi adopted a moral- spiritual approach to the issue and tried to awaken the upper class conscience to work for the integration of the downtrodden . Ambedkar believed in a legal political approach and advocated struggle for rights and legal guarantees and recognition.

    Gandhi believed the democracy should be in the form of oceanic wides of power with village democracy being the primary avenue. Ambedkar called villages as a den of superstition and feared that empowering the villages would result in the already affluent upper class men wielding huge power. So, Ambedkar preferred a top down approach with a strong center. He pushed through for constitutional guarantees and legislative initiatives for the upliftment of the downtrodden. Yet, despite having divergent approaches and strategies both Gandhi and Ambedkar had a common goal. Both of them acted to ameliorate the condition of the downtrodden.