Social Harmony and Nation Building (Perspectives of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar)

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About the Book 'Bharat Ratna' Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution, is remembered for his relentless crusade for a new social order. He was a renowned scholar, noted jurist, economist, social reformer, daring leader and revivalist for Buddhism in India. His farsightedness for social harmony emanates from his gust for 'just society', based on the idea of a casteless society. He emphasized on the construction of a virtual bridge between all classes of the society. It was his penchant for social justice, his vision for establishing a nation that provided greater opportunities to those who were historically disadvantaged, for giving us a constitution that defines our core values as a nation, his belief in self-improvement and self- dependence that earned him an unprecedented place in the modem Indian History.

Dr. Ambedkar, in his books, Caste in India (1916) and Annihilation of Caste (1936), etc. made a historic analysis and recommended abolition of caste system. In his last speech to the Constituent Assembly, Baba Saheb stressed the need to give up the grammar of anarchy, to avoid hero-worship and to work towards a Social- not just a political- democracy. Though the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the various social evils like caste based discrimination, increasing cases of atrocities against depressed classes and the rising divisive forces in the society are poising serious challenges and threats to Ambedkar's idea of social harmony and national unity. Hence, the need to follow the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity becomes all the more relevant to create social harmony and inculcate a spirit of nation and nationalism in present scenario.

About the Authors Dr. Gopal Parshad is presently Associate Professor and Head of Department of History in University College, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. He is also working as Deputy Director (additional charge), Centre for Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Studies, Kurukshetra University. He has more than twenty six years' experience of teaching and research. His interest area of research is Modem History of India. He has guided three students for M. Phil and three students for Ph. D degrees. He has written extensively on the Political, Social and Economic History of Modem India and authored 'Industrial Development in Northern India (l858-1918): A Study of ' Delhi, Punjab and Haryana' (2005). He has also written 14 books of History for. undergraduate classes. Apart from this, he has published more than 20 research articles in national and international journals as well as presented more than 33 research papers in national and international conferences and seminars.

He has organized a good number 'of seminars and quiz competitions. He has also chaired and co-chaired in various national and international conferences.

He is also the member of Indian History Congress and Punjab History Conference. He is also consort with various committees of the University such as U. G. and P. G. Board of Studies, Inspection, Observer, Selection, Unfair Means, Compliantence.

Dr. Mahabir Narwal

Dr. Mahabir Narwal is Professor, Department of Commerce, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. He has a teaching experience of more than 21 years. His area of interest is Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He has guided 4 Ph.D. and 45 M. Phil. students.

He has to his credit over 40 research papers in national and international journal. He has presented around 52 research papers in national and international conferences Seminars. He has represented Kurukshetra University in International Conferences at Chicago (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Bangkok (Thailand) and Dabang (Vietnam).

He has completed one minor research project "An Appraisal of Grant for Construction of House Development Scheme for Social Justice in Kurukshetra District" funded by Centre for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra and one Major Research Project "Corporate Social Responsibility: A tool of Strategic Advantage" funded by UGu. He is also a paper coordinator to develop e-content and authored 10 Modules for Post Graduate Program in Human Resource Management under UGC Project, an initiative of Ministry of HRD.

Besides academics, he is associated with UGIPG Board of Studies, various inspection, selection, UMC and enquiry committees. He has also been the member of University Court. He is associated to Road safety club, KUK as member. At present in addition to teaching, he is also working (additional charge) as Director, Centre for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

Preface The present book titled 'Social Harmony and Nation- Building: Perspectives of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar' analyses and constructs Dr. BhimraoAmbedkar's vision of social harmony and nation-building. This book comprises twenty eight research-based . articles of distinguished teachers and scholars, throwing ample light on the various facets of Dr. Ambedkar's personality and his . spectacular contribution to promoting social harmony and nation- . building. Ambedkar is rightly remembered as the architect of the Indian constitution, largest constitution in the world, which helped lay the firm foundation of democracy which embodies the spirit of equality, liberty and fraternity. This book also focuses upon Ambedkar's vision on social, economic and political democracy, untouchability, abolition of caste system, women empowerment etc. Moreover, this book throws light on the ideological dispute between Ambedkar and Gandhi on caste system, untouchability and separate electorate for depressed classes. However, these two doyens and giants of Indian history shaped up modem India battling against various socio-economic evils bedeviling the nation.

Their philosophy diverged on some social and political issues, but there could be no doubt that both of them struggled sincerely and ceaselessly to ameliorate the lot of the depressed sections of the society, apart from liberating the country from the shackles of slavery.

The old Hindu social order was very exploitative in character which had denied equality and freedom to the depressed classes and minorities since times immemorial. The higher castes treated the depressed people as polluted and untouchable and kept them marginalized and isolated part of the society. Untouchables had no socio-economic and political rights. Without the fundamental rights and other affirmative action’s they could not be pulled out of the conferment quagmire of poverty, social exploitation and discrimination. As a matter of fact, Ambedkar's appearance on the political scene of the country was at a very opportune moment to assume the role of a dynamic leader to address the issues poisoning the life of the downtrodden. He immediately embarked upon the mission of social reforms with full vigor and earnestness. Ambedkar struggled throughout life for securing human rights, abolishing untouchability and doing away with the authority of old chaturvarna or caste system. He observes that without the , annihilation of caste social harmony and nation-building cannot be carried out and accomplished. He was not only anti-caste, anti- priest, and anti- Brahmanism but also was against all kinds of injustice and exploitation. As a matter of fact, his vision of social harmony and nation-building is reinforced by the visible cruelties being inflicted upon the downtrodden, treating them as sub-human beings. He emphasized on the construction of a virtual bridge between all classes of the society. It was his penchant for social and political justice, his vision for establishing a nation that provides greater opportunities to those who were historically disadvantaged, motivated him to draft the kind of Constitution which contains all those constitutional provisions which help establish just, fair, equitable and egalitarian social order. His heart bled for the poor, deprived and exploited masses of the society and his sincere struggle to improve their lot has earned him an unprecedented and glorious space in the modem Indian history.

Ambedkar appears as a rationalist and humanist, who was more concern about making life in this world worth-living and comfortable rather than focusing upon God and life of next world.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages