Answer: 

Introduction:

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, two towering figures in Indian history, played significant roles in shaping the country’s struggle for independence and the crafting of its Constitution. While they had different approaches and strategies, their shared goal was the amelioration of the downtrodden, particularly the upliftment of the socially oppressed classes, like the Dalits.

Body:

Mahatma Gandhi

• Mahatma Gandhi, a spiritual and political leader, sought to bring about social reform through the use of non-violent resistance and the concept of Satyagraha, which emphasized truth and non-violence.
• He believed in the unity of all religions and the essential oneness of humanity. His approach to social issues was rooted in the belief that change must come from within the individual, rather than being imposed by law or government.
• To this end, he worked towards eradicating untouchability and caste discrimination by promoting the idea of ‘Harijan’ or ‘children of God’ to refer to Dalits.
• Gandhi’s efforts led to the establishment of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, an organization that aimed to provide social and economic upliftment to the Dalits.
• Gandhi’s constructive programs, including education and economic self-sufficiency, were aimed at improving the lives of the downtrodden and promoting harmony among different communities.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

• B.R. Ambedkar, a jurist, economist, and social reformer, was a strong advocate for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized groups. He was born into a Dalit family and experienced caste-based discrimination first-hand, which shaped his views on social reform.
• Ambedkar believed in achieving social justice through legal and constitutional means, focusing on education, equality, and political representation.
• As the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, he incorporated provisions that sought to outlaw untouchability and guarantee social, economic, and political justice for all citizens.
• He also founded the Scheduled Castes Federation (later the Republican Party of India) to promote political empowerment for marginalized communities.

Conclusion:

Despite their divergent approaches, they sought to create a more equitable society, free from caste-based discrimination and social inequalities. Although they sometimes disagreed on strategies and methods, their shared goal of uplifting the oppressed classes in India ultimately contributed to significant social and political change.

DOWNLOAD PDF