Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (200 words, 12 1/2 M)
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar had very different approaches were often at odds and in disagreement with each other. Despite this, both desired the upliftment of the downtrodden sections of the society.
Gandhiji disliked the caste system, but supported Varna system, as it promoted division of labour. He wanted castes on the basis of skills and not the birth. On the other hand, Dr BR Ambedkar wanted the complete annihilation of the caste.
Gandhiji took the problem of `untouchability' on the humanitarian grounds and wanted to eliminate it from the society. Ambedkar on the other hand, being a member of the Dalit class, considered himself a victim of that corrupt practice. He wanted to protect others, from this inhuman practice.
Gandhiji believed in the power of the masses and wanted self-rule or democracy at the villages level. Ambedkar feared that self-rule at the village level will lead to the perpetuation of the social system based on caste and the domination of upper castes. Ambedkar called the villages as 'den of ignorance'.
However, both Gandhiji and Ambedkar wanted Dalits to educate and empower themselves. While the Gandhiji was against separate electorates, as it would have perpetuated the problem of untouchability. Ambedkar, came up with the term 'Dalit' and tried to include it in the legislature.
Thus, while Gandhiji and Ambedkar differed in their approaches, they both wanted an upliftment of the downtrodden in the social, economic and political sphere.