Political view-

Ambedkar’s Political Philosophy

1. Dr. Ambedkar's political philosophy was not just based on ideal ideas; it was practical and
grounded in real-world issues.
2. He developed his ideas by combining different viewpoints, like idealism and realism,
individualism and socialism, and nationalism and internationalism.
3. For him, political ideas should address real problems and challenges faced by people.
4. He believed that social issues and political ideas go hand in hand and should be linked.
Dr. Ambedkar's View of state and government
1. Dr. Ambedkar distinguished between State and Society.
2. He viewed the state as essential for democracy, especially in times of disorder.
3. Believed the state should serve individuals and society, not control them.
4. Emphasized the importance of obeying laws for government stability.
5. Rejected the state as an isolated entity, viewing it as part of society.
6. Supported parliamentary government based on people's will.
7. Believed self-government requires careful planning for success.
8. Favored a federal system, though partly preferred a unitary government.

Views on natural rights and law

1. Dr. Ambedkar championed human rights in the 20th century.
2. Believed in inalienable, natural rights for all individuals.
3. Opposed discrimination based on caste, sex, race, or creed.
4. Emphasized the right to life, liberty, and property.
5. Stressed the importance of constitutional morality.
6. Contributed the Bill of Rights in India's Constitution.
7. Advocated for the "rule of law" and moral conscience.
8. Opposed violence, promoting peace and non-violence.
9. Believed in the law's power to preserve society.
Dr. Ambedkar and Democracy
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was an ardent believer in democracy, taking a rationalistic and
comprehensive view. This is abundantly clear from the definition of Democracy he gave in a
Speech at Poona on December 22, 1952. He defined democracy as "a form and method of
Government whereby revolutionary changes in the economic and social life of the people are
brought about without bloodshed." His vision was a society without oppressors or oppressed,
with equality before the law and a moral order. He saw social and economic democracy as the
foundation of political democracy, emphasizing "one man, one vote, one value" as the
essence of true democracy. Ambedkar advocated for a share in political power for
marginalized groups, believing political power is key to social progress. He endorsed State
Socialism, not Communism or Capitalism, to achieve economic equality and prosperity.
Economic view-
1. Ambedkar advocated for state-run agriculture with land reforms and collective
farming.
2. Farmers would keep part of their produce, and the state would distribute food fairly.
3. He supported intensive farming and labor over expanding farm sizes.
4. Ambedkar believed economic development could reduce poverty and inequality.
5. He emphasized the state's role in addressing agrarian issues.
Nationalism of insurance:
1. Dr. Ambedkar believed insurance is important for the state to raise money for
economic planning.
2. Without insurance, the government would have to borrow money at high interest rates.
3. He proposed nationalizing insurance to ensure better control and resources.
4. Dr. Ambedkar argued that state socialism was necessary for India’s rapid
industrialization.
5. He believed that private enterprises, driven by profit, could not remove poverty or
inequality.
6. Private businesses would only create more wealth inequality, as seen in Europe.
Currency system:
1. Ambedkar supported private property and individual freedom.
2. He favored the gold standard, free banking, and competing currencies.
3. He criticized John Maynard Keynes and agreed with Friedrich Hayek.
4. He believed closing the Mints would control inflation.
5. He advocated for gold as the currency standard.
6. He wanted private control over smaller industries.
Mechanism of labour disputes
1. Ambedkar supported Trade Union Movements and strikes to control capitalism.
2. Advocated for 'Labour Participation in the Management' of industries.
3. Focused on joint councils, employment exchanges, earned leave, and welfare
activities for workers.
4. Believed industrial peace could be achieved through social justice.
5. Proposed 5-6% reservation for SCs in central government.
6. Helped untouchable students pursue technical education abroad.
Taxation policy
1. Taxes should be based on the payer's ability to pay, not just their income.
2. Taxes should be lower for the poor and higher for the wealthy.
3. There should be tax exemptions for people up to a certain income level.
4. Taxes should be fair and equal for all sections of society.
5. Taxation should not lower the standard of living for the people.
Free market economy
 1. Ambedkar's economic ideas are still relevant today, especially with LPG (liberalization,
privatization, globalization).
2. He warned that deregulation could exploit the poor and concentrate economic power.
3. Ambedkar supported state intervention to protect the underprivileged and limit
capitalist control.
4. He favored industrialization but cautioned against excessive state ownership leading to
state capitalism.
5. He believed the state should manage agriculture and essential industries without being
too dominant.
6. Ambedkar is recognized as an important economic thinker.
Religious view-
Stand Against Religious Identity Reduction in Modernity
1. Ambedkar opposed reducing religion to a private matter.
2. Modernity in Europe challenged religion’s role in the state but didn’t eliminate it.
3. Religion still influenced public life and state formation, as noted by philosophers like
Schmitt and Hegel.
4. In India, nationalism became linked to religion, leading to religious nationalism.
Challenging Religion and National Identity
1. Ambedkar criticized Hinduism and questioned Indian nationalism.
2. His views on nationalism offended many, including Gandhi.
3. He argued nationalism was flawed for excluding untouchables.
4. Along with Tagore, he criticized nationalism during India’s independence movement.
5. Ambedkar redefined "majority" and "minority" based on legal status.
6. He advocated for a separate electorate for untouchables, influencing post-
independence India.

From Kinship Gods to Faith-Based Belief

1. The idea of God revolutionized religion in ancient times.
2. The concept of a divine origin came from admiration for powerful leaders or
philosophical ideas.
3. Ambedkar identified a second revolution where society worshipped a common parent-
god.
4. Different gods reflected competing political systems.
5. Over time, the relationship with gods shifted from kinship to faith.
6. Gods became transcendent figures outside political society.

Buddhism as a Path to Equality

1. Ambedkar emphasized critically evaluating the morality of religion.
2. He criticized Hinduism for supporting inequality and untouchability.
3. Buddhism promotes equality and opposes animal sacrifice.
4. Ambedkar proposed a religion focused on ordinary individuals, not gods or prophets.
 5. Buddha’s teachings focus on human issues, not divine claims or miracles.
6. He believed a new form of Buddhism could improve lives and become a world religion.

Buddhism vs. Marxism: A Moral Perspective

1. Ambedkar criticized the idea of suffering as a result of past sins (Brahman karma).
2. He advocated for a "religion of morality" to bring true social change, not just laws.
3. In Buddha or Marx, he compared Buddhism and Marxism, agreeing on the issue of
private property but differing on methods.
4. Ambedkar preferred Buddhism for its democratic principles and voluntary
participation.
5. He believed true change comes from within, guided by moral values.

Social view
Dr. Ambedkar's struggle for social justice
1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born into the "untouchable" Mahar caste and faced
discrimination.
2. Dalits were excluded from public spaces like wells, temples, and schools.
3. This motivated Ambedkar to fight for social reform and justice.
4. He pursued higher education and became a leader for marginalized communities.
5. Ambedkar focused on social justice, equal opportunity, and individual freedom.
6. He rejected caste-based discrimination and the Chaturvarna system.
7. Inspired by Aristotle, he believed society should value everyone's dignity and rights.
8. He argued that mistreating any member harms societal unity.

Ambedkar’s ideas on social justice

1. Ambedkar's social justice focused on liberty, equality, and fraternity.
2. He rejected oppression and promoted a universal, morality-based religion.
3. Condemned the caste system as the root of inequality and untouchability.
4. Advocated for a merit-based society, not one based on birth.
5. Led the creation of the Indian Constitution, abolishing untouchability (Article 17).
6. Stressed the need for social and economic liberty, beyond political freedom.