Dr. Bhumirao Ramji Ambedkar was a fearless and dedicated soldier who fought to uproot casteism from the contaminated soil of India’s social and religious culture.
Combating religious wrongs is more challenging than tackling other social, economic and political issues. Ambedkar was one of those rare personalities in the history of humankind who consciously ruffled religious sensitivities.
With his intellect, knowledge and rational understanding of the religion, Ambedkar confronted and impeached the Hindu establishment for its treatment of the Dalits and Untouchables. He awakened the dormant consciousness of the oppressed class who otherwise resigned themselves to the act of fate.
Unlike in Mahabharta, Ambedkar fought the battle against evils thru nonviolent strategies.
When India got Independence and Ambedkar was the principal author of the nation’s constitution and held the law portfolio in the cabinet, Untouchability was declared unlawful.
After centuries of hitherto unchallenged and illegal authority relating to human rights violations, Manusmriti in terms of the laws of India became illegal overnight.
Granting equality does not mean justice. But legalities were put in place. Special privileges for the underprivileged members of the society were enshrined in the constitution to break the shackles of virtual economic and social slavery, and to free the Dalits and Shudras from the humiliating social disorder.
Ambedkar, in fact, was an inspiration for the progressive Hindu mind, a guide for the rationalist and reformist Hindu, an advocate of women’s rights, and almost a messiah for the lowest of the low who for the first time felt some hope of freedom from their dehumanized status.
Ambedkar helped in the revamping of Hindu society. He was posthumously honoured with India’s highest civil award Bharat Ratna in 1990.
(Excerpts from “Hinduism beyond rituals, customs and traditions)
Promod Puri.com 
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