The Other Side of Personality of Babasaheb Ambedkar-The Maker of the Indian Constitution
Babasaheb Ambedkar is principally known for his voice raised for upliftment of Dalits and down-trodden section of
society and the work he did for them. Secondly, he is remembered for his ability and competence as the Chairman of the
Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, formed to frame the Constitution of India. Indeed, his both of these
works were of great importance and every right thinking and righteous Indian is proud of his performance and had
profound regard for him.
However, Dr. Ambedkar’s endeavours and works of upliftment of Dalits and other weaker sections of society and as
architect of Indian Constitution is not the only introduction of his personality. In fact, it is only one aspect of his
personality. The other side of his personality can be evaluated as seen through his thoughts, understanding and
suggestions for land reforms in this predominantly agriculturist country, foreign policy, the State of Jammu and Kashmir
in particular, and his work for strengthening nationalism in India.
It is an irony that most of the people are acquainted with only one aspect of Ambedkar’s life and works. It is also
ridiculous that even this side of his personality is used for fulfillment of pure political purposes. As Dr. Ambedkar
never used politics for personal gains, it is wholly unjustified to use his name to meet political ends. Besides this,
it is not proper to ignore the other side of his personality particularly in view of over all national interests.
Dr. Ambedkar’s proclaimed determination in favour of Indian nationalism is reflected in his often repeated words, “I am
an Indian, India is my motherland and nothing is supreme than this to me” and it is a self proven fact too. However,
there were many other occasions when his determined stand in favour of Indian nationalism proved that he was a patriot
par excellence.
When it was proposed in the Constituent Assembly to continue the provision of separate constituencies for a particular
religious community, Babasaheb Ambedkar vehemently opposed it keeping the idea of national interest in his mind. In
1948, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was working hard with determination to merge the State of Hyderabad with the Union
of India, some people attached to a particular ideology tried to misguide State’s Scheduled Castes to favour the Nizam.
At that time, Dr. Ambedkar said, “Scheduled Castes should not put their community up with disgrace and
defamation/humiliation by siding with Nizam who is anti India.” Simultaneously, after independence, in the year 1949, he
called upon the countrymen to be bewaring of the activities of neighbouring country and called them “to remain
determined to safeguard the freedom of India till last drop of blood.”
An ardent supporter of land reforms and profitable agriculture, Dr. Ambedkar called for modernization of this sector
ever since the third decade of twentieth century. Side by side, analyzing Indian foreign policy he said, “Thrust of our
foreign policy is to solve problems of other nations rather than our own.” Linking Kashmir problem with this policy, he
opined, “Even if we cannot defend the entire region, at least our own people should be accorded full protection.”
Babasaheb Ambedkar cautioned the Government several times about expansionist design of China. He did not agree with
Indian policy makers’ belief of Panchasheela as basis of our relationship with China and said, “Mao Tse-Tung does not
have faith in Panchasheela, which is an essential part of Buddhism. If he has any belief in this ideal, he would have
well treated Buddhist of his own country.”
Undoubtedly, Ambedkar was a champion of social reforms. Along with this he was a great nationalist and a patriot. He was
thorough and through a humanist. He always paid due regards to others. His respect for Mahadeo Govind Ranade, Bal
Gangadhar Tilak, Savarkar and Sardar Patel is well-known. He had also regarded Balasaheb Kher and K. M. Munshi. Much is
said about relationship betwixt Gandhiji and Babasaheb Ambedkar. But despite differences of opinion, Ambedkar had
regards for the Mahatma. On September 6, 1954 he had said in the Upper House –Rajya Sabha, “I respect Gandhiji. After
all he was very near to untouchables and loved them.”
It is high time that we must be well acquainted with all aspects of Dr. Ambedkar’s great personality before we talk of
remembering him in true sense and following his ideals.
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Universally renowned Indologist and writer Dr. Ravindra Kumar is the Former Vice-Chancellor of CCS University Meerut
[India].