Ambedkar on Religion : A Liberative Perspective

Dr. Ambedkar born as an untouchable, undergone all the miseries of untouchables and also tried hard for their welfare. He also felt that Hindu religion is main cause for their ill treatment and tried to bring changes in it and he also felt, whether their there is necessity of religion and is there any religion which gives equal treatment and found that , it is necessary and no equal treatment is given by any and found it in Buddhism and finally got himself converted to it. The role of religion has pervaded all aspects of man’s life it is essential for man. To Dr Ambedkar religion was a necessity in life and he did not agree with those especially the Marxist thinkers who rejected it. Then there arises a question of does Dr Ambedkar subscribe to the view that religion is reactionary and there is no necessity of it in human life? Not at all as he said some people think that religion is not essential to society. I do not hold this view. I considered the foundation of religion to be essential to the life and practice of society. Dr Ambedkar was well convinced that religion not only develops a good character, but also moulded the structural aspects of human society. Religion acts as a means of social control, and Dr Ambedkar recognized that religion emphasizes, universalizes social values and bring them to the mind of the individual who is required to recognize them in order that he may function as an approved member of the society. This book is a must read book for all those interested to know about Ambedkar, his work and Philosophy.