Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as B R Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer who played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Constitution. His tireless efforts for the upliftment of the Dalits and untouchables have left an indelible mark on Indian society. Along with his immense contribution to the legal and political spheres, Ambedkar was also a great thinker and orator, known for his powerful words that continue to inspire generations.
Here, we have compiled some of the best quotes by B R Ambedkar that not only reflect his deep understanding of social issues but also provide guidance for a better and more inclusive society. These inspiring words are a testament to Ambedkar’s vision of equality, justice, and empowerment.
In his famous quote, Ambedkar said, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” This statement highlights his recognition of the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in building a progressive society. Ambedkar believed that true progress can only be achieved when women are given equal opportunities and rights.
Ambedkar’s thoughts on education were revolutionary. He believed that education is the key to emancipation and empowerment. In one of his powerful quotes, he stated, “Educate, agitate, organize.” This motto encapsulated his belief that education, along with collective action and organization, can bring about real social change.
Ambedkar’s dedication to social justice and equality is evident in his quote: “Caste may be bad, but 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.” Through this quote, Ambedkar sheds light on the deeply ingrained nature of the caste system in Indian society and the importance of understanding its historical, social, and religious context in order to dismantle it.
These quotes by B R Ambedkar serve as a reminder of his invaluable contributions to India’s struggle for social justice and his unparalleled vision for a more equitable society. His words continue to motivate and inspire people all over the world to fight against discrimination and injustice.
Best Quotes by B R Ambedkar
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
– B R Ambedkar
“Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire which prevents the Hindus from co-mingling and which has, therefore, to be pulled down. Caste is a notion; it is a state of the mind.”
– B R Ambedkar
“Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle.”
– B R Ambedkar
“Equality may be a fiction but nonetheless one must accept it as the governing principle.”
– B R Ambedkar
“I was born a Hindu. I had no choice. But I will not die a Hindu.”
– B R Ambedkar
Inspiring Words by the Father of the Indian Constitution
B R Ambedkar, widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Constitution, was an incredible visionary who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and dignity of the oppressed. Here are some of his inspiring words that continue to resonate with people today:
- “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
- “Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire which prevents the Hindus from co-mingling and which has, therefore, to be pulled down. Caste is a notion, it is a state of the mind.”
- “I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
- “The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.”
- “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.”
- “Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle.”
- “Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise, both will wither and die.”
- “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.”
These words of B R Ambedkar continue to inspire people from all walks of life and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and social justice. His vision for a society built on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity remains as relevant today as it was during his time.
Equality and Justice
B R Ambedkar was a strong advocate for equality and justice. He believed that every individual, regardless of their caste, religion, or gender, should have equal rights and opportunities.
Ambedkar fought against the discrimination faced by the lower castes in India and worked towards creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. He firmly believed that social justice could only be achieved by providing equal access to education, employment, and basic human rights.
One of his famous quotes, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved,” highlights his commitment to gender equality. Ambedkar emphasized the importance of empowering women and ensuring their active participation in society.
He also stressed the need for economic justice and advocated for land reforms and the redistribution of wealth. Ambedkar believed that economic inequality perpetuated social inequality and that justice could only be achieved if everyone had equal economic opportunities.
Ambedkar’s thoughts on equality and justice continue to inspire and guide people today. His vision of a just and equitable society serves as a constant reminder of the importance of fighting against discrimination and ensuring equal rights for all.
Education and Empowerment
Educational empowerment has always been a key focus for B R Ambedkar. He firmly believed that education is a powerful tool that can transform the lives of individuals and uplift the marginalized sections of society. Ambedkar himself was a living example of how education can empower and bring about social change.
Ambedkar emphasized the importance of education as a means to break free from the shackles of social discrimination and oppression. He believed that education not only enables individuals to acquire knowledge and skills, but also empowers them to think critically, question established norms, and challenge unjust practices.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Ambedkar once said. He believed that education is the key to creating a just and equitable society, where every individual has equal opportunities and rights.
Ambedkar also stressed the need for quality education that fosters a sense of dignity, self-worth, and self-confidence among individuals. He believed that education should not only focus on academic excellence, but also instill values such as compassion, empathy, and respect for others.
Moreover, Ambedkar strongly advocated for education as a means for social and political empowerment. He believed that education plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to participate actively in the democratic process, voice their opinions, and advocate for their rights.
Ambedkar’s vision of education and empowerment goes beyond mere literacy or access to education. He believed in providing equal educational opportunities to all, regardless of caste, gender, or socioeconomic background. He believed that education should be a tool for social upliftment and empowerment for the marginalized sections of society.
In conclusion, B R Ambedkar’s views on education and empowerment highlight the transformative power of education in bringing about social change and creating a more inclusive society. His words continue to inspire and urge us to strive towards achieving equal educational opportunities and empowering every individual to reach their full potential.
Social Reform
B R Ambedkar believed in the power of social reform to create a more just and equitable society. He recognized the importance of addressing social inequalities and injustices in order to achieve true freedom and democracy. Ambedkar fought tirelessly against the caste system and worked towards the emancipation of the Dalit community.
Ambedkar’s inspiring words on social reform continue to guide us today:
“Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire which prevents the Hindus from co-mingling and which has, therefore, to be pulled down. Caste is a notion, it is a state of the mind.”
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
“The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.”
“I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
Ambedkar’s vision of a socially reformed society continues to inspire us to work towards a more inclusive and equal world. His words remind us of the power of social reform to bring about positive change in society.
Freedom and Democracy
Freedom is the essence of democracy. It is the right of every individual to live a life free from oppression and discrimination. B R Ambedkar believed that freedom should not be limited to just political rights, but should also encompass social, economic, and cultural rights. He fought tirelessly for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, and believed that true freedom can only be achieved when every individual is treated with dignity and equality.
Ambedkar emphasized the importance of democracy as the best system of governance. According to him, a democratic society ensures that power is in the hands of the people and decisions are made collectively. Democracy promotes equality, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights. It allows individuals to freely express their opinions, participate in governance, and hold those in power accountable.
In his words, “Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience.”
Ambedkar believed in the power of democracy to uplift the marginalized sections of society and create a more inclusive and just society. He saw democracy as an instrument to break down the barriers of caste, class, and religion, and ensure equal opportunities for all.
He said, “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.”
Ambedkar’s vision of freedom and democracy continues to inspire millions today. His fight for justice and equality serves as a reminder that the struggle for freedom is not limited to a single moment in history, but is a continuous endeavor towards a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
Women’s Rights
B R Ambedkar was a strong advocate for women’s rights in India. He believed that women should have equal access to education, employment, and political representation. Here are a few of his quotes that highlight his views on women’s rights:
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
“Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.”
“I want to see a society in which every woman can exercise her right to live with dignity and achieve her full potential.”
“The history of the world is the history of a few men who had faith in themselves.”
“I am grateful to the British for having taught me the importance of liberty and the dignity of the individual.”
“Women are not just objects to be protected; they are capable of achieving great things and should be given every opportunity to do so.”
“Empowering women is not just a matter of social justice, it is a matter of national development.”
“The fight for women’s rights is not just about gender equality, it is about creating a more just and equal society for all.”
“It is the duty of every citizen to empower and uplift women, for they are the backbone of our nation.”
“True empowerment of women comes from education, economic independence, and the ability to make their own choices.”
B R Ambedkar’s words continue to inspire and guide us in our fight for gender equality and women’s rights in India and around the world.
Caste System
The Caste System, a social stratification system in India, has been a long-standing issue that has hindered social mobility and equality. B. R. Ambedkar, as a fierce critic of the caste system, dedicated his life to fighting against its oppressive nature and advocating for social justice.
In his words, Ambedkar said, “Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire. It is a complex system of social stratification and segregation based on birth, occupation, and social status.”
Ambedkar emphasized that the caste system perpetuates discrimination and inequality, denying individuals their basic dignity and fundamental rights. He believed that the caste system goes against the principles of democracy and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Ambedkar’s powerful words inspire us to question and challenge the caste system, to work towards creating a society that ensures equal opportunities and social justice for all. His relentless efforts paved the way for significant reforms and continues to inspire generations to fight against caste-based discrimination.
Leadership and Vision
As a leader, B R Ambedkar demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership and a clear vision for the future of India. His ideas and actions continue to inspire many across the globe. Here are some quotes that reflect his views on leadership and vision:
“A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.”
“Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience.”
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
“Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.”
“Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle.”
“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.”
“Democracy is not a form of government, but a social idea, the idea of democratic rights by the world.”
These quotes showcase Ambedkar’s belief in the importance of serving society, the need for equality and empowerment of women, the pursuit of knowledge, and the necessity of fighting against injustice. His vision for democracy and social reform continues to resonate and inspire people to this day.
Human Rights and Dignity
Human rights and dignity are fundamental principles that must be protected and upheld in every society. B R Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution, recognized the importance of ensuring equal rights and dignity for all individuals, especially those who have historically been marginalized and oppressed.
Ambedkar firmly believed that every person, regardless of their caste, gender, or religion, should be treated with respect and given equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in life. He fought against the deeply rooted social inequalities and discrimination that plagued Indian society, advocating for the rights and dignity of the Dalit community, women, and other marginalized groups.
Ambedkar’s vision for human rights encompassed not just political and civil liberties, but also economic and social rights. He emphasized the need for social and economic empowerment to ensure the full realization of human rights and dignity. His efforts paved the way for the inclusion of various provisions in the Indian Constitution that safeguard these principles, such as the abolition of untouchability, reservations for marginalized communities, and equality before the law.
Ambedkar’s inspiring words on human rights and dignity continue to guide us today. He once said, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” This quote reflects his commitment to gender equality and the recognition of women’s rights as integral to the overall development of society.
Another powerful quote by Ambedkar is, “I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality, and fraternity.” This quote highlights his belief that true religion should embrace the principles of human rights, equality, and solidarity among all individuals.
In conclusion, B R Ambedkar’s legacy as a champion for human rights and dignity is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. His words inspire us to continue working towards a society where every person is treated with respect and afforded equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their background or identity.