Ambedkar's Fight Against Untouchability

Dr. Ambedkar was emancipator of the ‘untouchables’ and crusader for social justice. This liberator of the down trodden was affectionately called “Babasaheb”. He was sthumously awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ in the year 1990. Ambedkar was a great champion of the dalit cause because he succeeded in turning the depressed class movement into a revolutionary movement throughout India. There are occupational, religious etc., castes, it is true, but it is by no means an explanation of the origin of Caste. We have yet to find out why occupational groups are castes; but this question has never even been raised. Lastly they have taken Caste very lightly as though a breath had made it. The central aim therefore is not limited to social upliftment of the Harijans, but economic emancipation of the poor by eliminating all forms of exploitation through capacity building among the target population and conscientisation of the masses with the help of basic education and self-employment. Untouchability has played an important role in Indian history and still affects many millions of Indians. The Untouchables focuses on its connections with poverty and state politics, with a primarily political and historical focus, but also looks at its social construction and effects on the lives of individuals. The book, which provides a rare opportunity to debate and discuss the contribution of Dr. Ambedkar in nation-building, will be great interest to all sections of people.