B. R. Ambedkar Quotes

A collection of quotes by B. R. Ambedkar.

B. R. Ambedkar (1891-1956) was a prominent Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer, best known for his tireless efforts in the fight against caste discrimination and untouchability in India. Born into a Dalit (formerly known as untouchable) family, Ambedkar personally experienced the oppressive social hierarchy of the Indian caste system, which fueled his determination to challenge it.

Ambedkar's early academic brilliance allowed him to excel in his studies, leading him to become one of the first Dalits to obtain a college education in India. Later, he went on to pursue higher education abroad, earning multiple degrees from prestigious universities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

After returning to India, Ambedkar dedicated his life to eradicating social injustices faced by Dalits. He actively advocated for the rights of marginalized communities and played a crucial role in drafting the Indian constitution. As the chairman of the drafting committee, he ensured the inclusion of provisions that protected Dalit rights and abolished untouchability.

Besides his relentless fight for social justice, Ambedkar made significant contributions to economics, law, and sociology. He wrote extensively on topics such as the protection of human rights, economic and social development, and the philosophy of Buddhism, which he later embraced as his religion.

Ambedkar's unwavering commitment to social reform and his relentless pursuit of equality have earned him a revered place in Indian history. He remains an iconic figure, inspiring generations and symbolizing the triumph of knowledge, courage, and justice over oppression.

That the caste system must be abolished if the Hindu society

That the caste system must be abolished if the Hindu society is to be reconstructed on the basis of equality, goes without saying. Untouchability has its roots in the caste system. They cannot expect the Brahmins to rise in revolt against the caste system. Also we cannot rely upon the non-Brahmins and ask them to fight our battle.

Law and order are the medicine of the body politic and when

Law and order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.

Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the bas

Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy. What does social democracy mean? It means a way of life which recognizes liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life.

Caste may be bad. Caste may lead to conduct so gross as to b

Caste may be bad. Caste may lead to conduct so gross as to be called man's inhumanity to man. All the same, it must be recognized that the Hindus observe Caste not because they are inhuman or wrong-headed. They observe Caste because they are deeply religious.

The sovereignty of scriptures of all religions must come to

The sovereignty of scriptures of all religions must come to an end if we want to have a united integrated modern India.

Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as m

Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise both will wither and die.

What are we having this liberty for? We are having this libe

What are we having this liberty for? We are having this liberty in order to reform our social system, which is full of inequality, discrimination and other things, which conflict with our fundamental rights.

However good a Constitution may be, if those who are impleme

However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.

Constitution However Prove

Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primaril

Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men.

Reverence Living Towards

Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human exis

Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.

Mind Aim Ultimate

We are Indians, firstly and lastly.

We are Indians, firstly and lastly.

Indians Firstly Lastly

Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Thei

Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them.

Equality

I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progr

I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.

Women

The relationship between husband and wife should be one of c

The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.

Relationship

Religion must mainly be a matter of principles only. It cann

Religion must mainly be a matter of principles only. It cannot be a matter of rules. The moment it degenerates into rules, it ceases to be a religion, as it kills responsibility which is an essence of the true religious act.

Religion

History shows that where ethics and economics come in confli

History shows that where ethics and economics come in conflict, victory is always with economics. Vested interests have never been known to have willingly divested themselves unless there was sufficient force to compel them.

History

Every man who repeats the dogma of Mill that one country is

Every man who repeats the dogma of Mill that one country is no fit to rule another country must admit that one class is not fit to rule another class.

Politics

Unlike a drop of water which loses its identity when it join

Unlike a drop of water which loses its identity when it joins the ocean, man does not lose his being in the society in which he lives. Man's life is independent. He is born not for the development of the society alone, but for the development of his self.

Alone

Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny

Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government.

Government

A people and their religion must be judged by social standar

A people and their religion must be judged by social standards based on social ethics. No other standard would have any meaning if religion is held to be necessary good for the well-being of the people.

Good