Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s philosophy, often referred to as Ambedkarism, centers on social justice, equality, and the annihilation of caste, rooted in rationalism, liberty, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits. His critiques of the Indian National Congress and Mahatma Gandhi, as detailed in What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables (1945), highlight his distrust of political parties that prioritize power over genuine social reform. Today, many argue that major Indian political parties, including Congress, BJP, BSP, and even RPI, have deviated from Ambedkar’s ideals, using his legacy for electoral gains rather than embodying his vision. Below, I address where to find authentic Ambedkarism and speculate on what Ambedkar might have done if alive in 2025. _ Answered by GROK.
Query to Grok Below..
where to find real_Ambedkarism? as the Congress, BJP and other major Indian Political parties, even BSP and RPI the party which Ambedkar himself founded are not true to the ideals and standards set by ambedkar?…What would ambedkar have done if alive in 2025?
https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks/what-congress-and-gandhi-have-done-untouchables
Where to Find Real Ambedkarism in 2025?
Ambedkarism is not confined to political parties but lives in movements, organizations, and individuals who actively pursue his principles of equality, social justice, and rationalism. Here are some places to find authentic Ambedkarism:
- Grassroots Dalit and Social Justice Movements:
- Organizations like the Ambedkarite Buddhist Sanghas, Dalit Panthers (revived in some forms), and local Ambedkarite groups focus on caste annihilation, education, and economic empowerment. These groups often operate outside mainstream politics, emphasizing community-driven change.
- Example: The Ambedkar International Mission and similar networks promote Ambedkar’s vision globally, focusing on dignity and human rights for marginalized communities.
- Independent Scholars and Activists:
- Writers, academics, and activists like Anand Teltumbde, Suraj Yengde, and Kancha Ilaiah engage with Ambedkar’s ideas critically, addressing contemporary issues like caste, capitalism, and communalism. Their work often challenges the co-option of Ambedkar by political parties.
- Platforms like Round Table India and Velivada publish articles and analyses rooted in Ambedkarite thought, critiquing mainstream politics and advocating for radical social change.
- Ambedkar’s Writings and Primary Sources:
- To understand true Ambedkarism, go directly to his works, such as Annihilation of Caste, What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables, and Buddha and His Dhamma. These texts outline his vision of a casteless, egalitarian society grounded in reason and Buddhism.
- The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches series, published by the Maharashtra government and available through the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, is a comprehensive resource. Volume 9, which includes What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables, is accessible via the Indian Culture portal.
- Non-Political Ambedkarite Organizations:
- Groups like the People’s Education Society (founded by Ambedkar) and institutions like Siddharth College continue to promote education and empowerment for Dalits and backward classes, aligning with Ambedkar’s emphasis on education as a tool for liberation.
- Buddhist organizations inspired by Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism in 1956, such as the Triratna Buddhist Community in India, embody his vision of a rational, egalitarian spiritual framework.
- Social Media and Digital Platforms:
- On platforms like X, Ambedkarite voices critique political parties and promote his ideals. Posts on X highlight frustration with “pseudo Ambedkarites” who align with Hindu nationalism, which Ambedkar opposed due to its casteist foundations.
- Follow hashtags like #Ambedkarism, #DalitLivesMatter, or handles like @ambedkarorg for discussions on authentic Ambedkarite principles.
- Critique of Political Parties:
- Congress: Ambedkar criticized Congress for its bourgeois dominance and failure to prioritize Dalit upliftment, as seen in his analysis of the 1937 elections and the Poona Pact. Today, Congress invokes Ambedkar symbolically but often lacks a radical caste-abolition agenda.
- BJP: The BJP’s Hindu nationalist ideology clashes with Ambedkar’s rejection of Hinduism’s caste system. While it appropriates his legacy (e.g., promoting Ambedkar memorials), its policies often reinforce upper-caste dominance.
- BSP: The Bahujan Samaj Party, founded on Ambedkarite principles, has been criticized for diluting its focus on caste annihilation in favor of electoral alliances and identity politics.
- RPI: The Republican Party of India, established by Ambedkar, has fragmented into factions, many of which prioritize political expediency over his radical vision. To find real Ambedkarism, look beyond these parties to movements that prioritize caste annihilation, economic justice, and rationalism over vote-bank politics.
What Would Ambedkar Have Done in 2025?
Speculating on Ambedkar’s actions in 2025 requires grounding in his principles, strategies, and historical context. Ambedkar was a pragmatist who combined intellectual rigor, political advocacy, and social mobilization. If alive today, he might have:
- Critiqued Contemporary Politics:
- Ambedkar would likely denounce the co-option of his legacy by parties like BJP and Congress, much as he critiqued Congress in 1945 for sidelining Dalit interests.
- He would challenge the BJP’s Hindu nationalism, which contradicts his rejection of Hinduism’s caste hierarchy and his conversion to Buddhism.
- He might criticize BSP and RPI for compromising on caste annihilation for political alliances, urging a return to radical social reform.
- Advocated for Economic Justice:
- Ambedkar emphasized economic empowerment alongside social equality. In 2025, he might address rising economic inequality, corporate monopolies, and the marginalization of Dalits in the job market, pushing for affirmative action and land reforms.
- He could propose modern equivalents of his “state socialism” ideas, advocating for public ownership of key industries to benefit marginalized communities.
- Leveraged Technology and Media:
- Ambedkar was a prolific writer and communicator. In 2025, he might use digital platforms like X, YouTube, or podcasts to reach a global audience, countering mainstream narratives and mobilizing youth around Ambedkarite principles.
- He could support open-access education platforms to democratize knowledge, aligning with his emphasis on education as liberation.
- Strengthened Ambedkarite Buddhism:
- After converting to Buddhism in 1956, Ambedkar saw it as a rational, egalitarian alternative to Hinduism. In 2025, he might expand Buddhist institutions to counter communalism and promote interfaith dialogue, emphasizing Buddhism’s ethical framework.
- He could address the limitations of Buddhist conversion, as some scholars note it hasn’t fully eradicated caste stigma.
- Fought New Forms of Oppression:
- Ambedkar opposed all dehumanization, including casteism, misogyny, and racism. In 2025, he might tackle emerging issues like digital discrimination, climate injustice affecting marginalized communities, and the rise of authoritarianism.
- He would likely support global solidarity movements, linking Dalit struggles with those of other oppressed groups, such as Black Lives Matter or Indigenous rights campaigns.
- Reformed the Constitution:
- As the architect of India’s Constitution, Ambedkar might push for amendments to strengthen protections for marginalized groups, addressing gaps in reservation policies or judicial delays in caste atrocity cases.
- He could advocate for constitutional safeguards against majoritarian politics, ensuring India remains a secular, egalitarian democracy.
- Built Autonomous Institutions:
- Ambedkar distrusted mainstream politics dominated by upper castes. In 2025, he might establish new organizations or coalitions to represent Dalits and other marginalized groups, independent of existing parties.
- He could revive the spirit of the Scheduled Castes Federation or RPI, focusing on grassroots mobilization rather than electoral compromises.
Challenges in 2025
Ambedkar would face significant challenges:
- Co-option: His legacy is heavily politicized, with parties using his name for votes while ignoring his radical ideas.
- Caste Persistence: Despite legal protections, caste discrimination persists in rural and urban India, requiring new strategies.
- Polarization: Communal tensions and majoritarian politics could complicate his efforts to unite marginalized groups.
- Globalization: Economic policies favoring corporates might clash with his vision of economic justice.
Conclusion
Real Ambedkarism in 2025 is found not in mainstream political parties but in grassroots movements, independent scholarship, and Ambedkar’s own writings, accessible through platforms like the Indian Culture portal. If alive, Ambedkar would likely critique the hypocrisy of parties like Congress, BJP, BSP, and RPI, while mobilizing marginalized communities through education, digital platforms, and autonomous institutions. His focus would remain on annihilating caste, promoting economic justice, and fostering rationalism, adapting his strategies to modern challenges like technology and globalization.
For a deeper dive, read What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables on the Indian Culture portal or explore Ambedkar’s works in the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches series. On X, engage with Ambedkarite voices to stay updated on contemporary movements.
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