ABOUT THE BOOK

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's views on democracy, social and economic justice, gender equality, national unity and religious belief provide important inputs in quest for finding solutions to some of the demanding questions of present times. The relevance of Ambedkar’s thought will remain – democratic system is working, institutions are getting strength, caste system is getting negated though slowly, dalits are increasingly getting their say and rightly so, social integration is coming around. All these positive traits in Indian system and establishment have come about due to sound edifice given by Dr. Ambedkar. The need of the hour is to highlight and safeguard those facets in Ambedkar's personality and thinking that help in ensuring a social change. The radical part of Ambedkar's legacy which will strengthen the forces fighting for radical social transformation should be safeguarded and emulated. Ambedkar's life and work cannot be ignored by anybody in our country who is concerned about changing the society.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Prof. Emanual Nahar is working, at present in the Department of Political Science, USOL, Panjab University, Chandigarh. He is also holding the prestigious office of Dean-Students Welfare (DSW), Panjab University. He specializes on ‘Minority and Dalit Politics’ and ‘Foreign Policy’ issues. Prof. Nahar obtained his Doctorate in Political Science from Panjab University, Chandigarh. He is present Director/Coordinator, Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy and Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University, Chandigarh. He is also the member of Research Degree Committee at Centre for Women Studies & Department of Political Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Prof. Nahar is the member of Senate and Syndicate – the Governing bodies of the University. He has been supervising M.Phil & Ph.D. research scholars and has published nearly 8 books and more than 50 research papers in reputed national and international Journals. He is an advisory member of many educational bodies/institutions and editorial member of many reputed research journals. Prof. Emanual Nahar has presented more than 50 papers at various national and international seminars and conferences. He is also the recipient of prestigious awards-Thorpe’s and William Carry Award in the field of education

CONTENTS

List of Contributors . 9
Foreword . 11
Introduction . 15  

1. Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Philosophy in Contemporary India: Threats and Relevance 31
— Emanual Nahar
• Abstract • Introduction • Dr Ambedkar – A Champion Reformer and Social Democrat • Relevance of Dr Ambedkar’s Philosophy in Contemporary India • Threat to Ambedkarism • Limited Space for Dr Ambedkar’s Philosophy • Diminishing Use of Reservations • Neo- Liberal Policies and Dalits • Politicisation of Dr Ambedkar • Merchants of Dalit Voters through Dr Ambedkar • Communist Agenda Regarding Dr Ambedkar • Policies and Programmes against Dr Ambedkar’s Approach • Invoking Nationalism • Present Political Democracy is not a Social Democracy • Conclusion • References.  

2. Dr Ambedkar’s Economic and Political Thought: Relevance in Globalised Era . 49
— Nisha Bhargava
• Abstract • Introduction • Dr Ambedkar’s Political Philosophy • The Economic Views of Ambedkar • Relevance of Ambedkar’s Philosophy in the Era of Globalisation • Conclusion • References.  

3. B.R. Ambedkar’s Quest for Social Justice through Journalism . 59
— Navjot Kaur
• Abstract • Introduction • Conclusion • References.  

4. Ambedkar and Dalits: A Sociological Perspective . 67
— Ranjay Vardhan
• Abstract • Introduction • Subaltern Perspective by Dr B.R. Ambedkar • Who is a Dalit? • Ambedkar and Dalit Movement • Ambedkar in 1930s • Ambedkar and Drafting of Indian Constitution • Three Principles of Dalit Movement: “Education, Agitation and Organisation” • Conclusion • References.  

5. Ambedkar’s Concept of Social Justice and Discrimination in Panchayati Raj Institutions . 79
— Dr Neeru Sharma
• Abstract • Introduction • B. R. Ambedkar on Social Justice • 73rd Amendment and Reservation • Discrimination with Dalits • Conclusion • References.  

6. Constitutional Prerogatives in Mainstreaming of Dalit in India . 91
— Gobinda Chandra Sethi
• Abstract • Introduction • Dalit Identity • Vision of Dr Ambedkar • Constitutional Prerogatives • Directive Principles of State Policy • Social Dimension • Dimension of Human Trafficking, Article 23 • Religious Dimension, Article 25(2) • Educational and Cultural Dimension • Political Dimension • Dimension of Reservation and Service • Statutes and Legislations • The Position of Dalits in India Today • Findings • Suggestions • Conclusion • References.  

7. Dr B.R. Ambedkar: A Quest for Social Justice . 103
— Mrs Jatinder Walia and Mrs Reena Kushwaha
• Abstract • Introduction • What is Social Justice? • Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Views on Social Justice • Dr Babasaheb’s Contribution towards Social Justice in India • Today’s Scenario • Conclusion • References.  

8. Ambedkar Aesthetics: A Creative Inspiration for Dalit Writers . 113
— Dr Amandeep
• Abstract • Introduction • References.  

9. Ambedkar’s Views on Education for Women Empowerment and Role of ICT in Its Implementation . 121
— Rohini Arora
• Abstract • Introduction • Education as Tool for Women Empowerment • Role of Information and Communication Technology in Women Empowerment • Conclusion • References.  

10. Relevance of B.R. Ambedkar in the Renewal of Untouchability and Upliftment of Scheduled Castes . 127
— Dr Mona Arora
• Abstract • Introduction • Five Principles of Pancha-Sutra for the Progress of Dalits • Three Principles of Dalit Movement • (a) Constitutional and Legislative Measures • Legislative Measures • Measures to Check Atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes • Few Acts as Punishable Crimes • Other Welfare Measures and Programme for Upliftment of Scheduled Castes • Other Welfare Programmes • Voluntary Organisations • Evaluation of Welfare Measures • References.  

11. Women: Understanding Dr Ambedkar’s Vision and its Relevance in Contemporary Feminist Discourse . 135
— Jasbir Kaur
• Abstract • Introduction • Dr Ambedkar’s Efforts to Uplift the Status of Women • Relevance of His Ideas • Constitutional Provisions for the Cause of Women • Various Laws for Protection of Women • Conclusion • References.  

12. Revisiting Ambedkar’s Idea of Social Justice in Global Age of India. 149
—Devinder Kaur
• Abstract • Introduction • Social Justice and Ancient Indian Society • Ambedkar’s Social Justice and Constitution of India • Changing and Broadening the Concept of Social Justice in Global Age • Conclusion • References.  

12. Ambedkar’s Vision of a Mere Democratic India . 159
— Nirmal Singh
• Abstract • Introduction • Dr Ambedkar’s View on Caste System • Ambedkar’s Vision of Social Democracy • References.  

13. Women Empowerment in India and Dr B. R. Ambedkar . 169
— Kanchan Chandan
• Abstract • Introduction • Objectives, Methods and Materials • Analysis and Discussion • Conclusion • References.  

14. Dr B.R. Ambedkar-A Saviour of Indian Women . 177
— Manjinder Kaur
• Abstract • Introduction • Status of Women in Vedic Period • Status of Women in Later Vedic Period • Manusmriti and Gender Discrimination • Ambedkar and Justice to Women • Constitutional Rights and Women • The Hindu Code Bill • The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 • The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 • The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 • The Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 • Relevance of His Ideas • Conclusion • References.  

15. Emancipation of Dalit Women vis-à-vis Ambedkar’s Perspective . 187
— Sucheta Singh
• Abstract • Introduction • Women in Historical Perspective • Dr Ambedkar Mission for the upliftment for Dalit Women • Justice to Women • Relevance of Dr Ambedkar Ideas at Present • Conclusion • References.  

16. Ambedkar’s Conversion to Buddhism: The Quest for Equality . 197
— Archana Thakur
• Abstract • Introduction • Turned away from Hindu Society • Call for Social Change • Search for True Religion based on Equality • Views about Islam • His Views about Christianity • Ambedkar and Sikhism • Conversion to Buddhism, the Ultimate Strategy • Oaths taken by Dr Ambedkar • Conclusion • References.  

17. Constitutional Obligations and Empirical Implications: Understanding Ambedkar vis-à-vis Right to Food . 213
— Tejinder Pal Singh
• Introduction • Objective of the Study • Ambedkar’s Visionary Conception of Democracy • Constitutional Obligations vis-à-vis the Right to Food • Understanding Nutritional Status in a Food Surplus Indian State • Conclusion • References.  

18. Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Propensity for Sikh Religion: A Path towards Salvation . 227
— Parambir Brar
• Abstract • Introduction • Reasons for Opting Sikhism as an Alternative • Way from Sikhism to Buddhism • Conclusion • References.  

19. Dr B.R. Ambedkar – A Theoretician of Indian Brahmanical Caste System and His Contribution to Understand Caste System and its Operational Mechanism. 235
—Tarminder Kaur
• Abstract • Introduction • Dr B.R. Ambedkar • Conclusion • References.  

20. Ambedkar’s Philosophy on the Emancipation of Dalit Women and its Reflection in Baby Kamble’s The Prisons We Broke . 243
— Parveen Kumari
• Abstract • Introduction • References.  

21. Did Dr B.R. Ambedkar Really Succeed in Removing the Social Barriers for Deprived in Indian Society? . 257
— Navneet Kaur
• Abstract • Introduction • Challenging the Social Hierarchy • Ambedkar’s Steps Towards Promoting Social Changes in Society • Influence of His Efforts in Democratic India • References.  22. Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Thoughts on Conflicting Issues of Indian Foreign Policy . 263 —Shayama Bangar • Abstract • Introduction • Ambedkar’s Views on Kashmir Issue • Ambedkar’s Views on China • References.

Index . 271