PrintFriendlyEvent Report on the Discussion: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar & Dimensions of the Constitution – History & Perspectives
By Dhruv P. Das
Introduction
On Friday, 17th January 2025, the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF) organized an insightful discussion titled Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar & Dimensions of the Constitution – History & Perspectives at the Seminar Hall No. 1 & 2, Kamaladevi Complex, India International Centre, New Delhi. The event, attended by scholars, policymakers and over 100 students from various colleges of Delhi University, attracted participants from diverse academic backgrounds such as law, political science, history, and economics. The enthusiastic presence of the youth underlined the enduring relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s vision in contemporary times.
This discussion carried special significance as it revisited the pivotal role Dr. Ambedkar played in shaping India’s Constitution, focusing on the realities of its past and present trajectory as the country celebrates 75 years of independence. The event sought to reflect on how the seeds of justice, liberty, and equality sown by Dr. Ambedkar continue to breathe life into the Constitution, shaping India’s democratic framework even today. It also delved into the challenges faced in maintaining these values and the need for a deeper understanding of Ambedkar’s foundational contributions.
Overview of the Event
The session commenced with Dr. Anirban Ganguly, Chairman of SPMRF, extending a warm welcome to the esteemed speakers and the audience. Addressing the students in attendance, he emphasized the importance of reading Dr. Ambedkar’s works, urging them to explore the curated collection of books on Ambedkar available at the exhibition facilitated by SPMRF just outside the seminar hall.
Dr. Ganguly set the tone for the discussion by posing a thought-provoking question: How many of us truly know about the resignation letter of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar? He elaborated on how Ambedkar’s resignation reflected his deep frustration over the handling of Dalit issues under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s government. Dr. Ganguly highlighted the need to critically examine historical leaders like Nehru, particularly in the context of his strained relationship with Ambedkar and efforts to keep him out of power. This powerful opening set the stage for a dynamic and nuanced discussion, after which Dr. Ganguly invited the first speaker to begin their address.
Highlights from the Speakers:
Shri Brij Lal IPS (Retd.) Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha & Former Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh
The first speaker, Shri Brij Lal IPS (Retd.), opened the discussion by sharing a deeply personal and inspiring account of his journey as a Dalit boy from a humble village in Uttar Pradesh. Growing up in a household with scarce resources, he recounted how, until the 6th grade, he owned only a single set of clothes—a shirt and pants—and attended school barefoot. It was only after earning a high school scholarship, ranking among the top students in Uttar Pradesh, that he purchased his first pair of slippers.
Shri Brij Lal attributed his rise to hard work and the inspiration he drew from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life and philosophy. At the age of 22, he became one of the youngest IPS officers in the history of Indian civil services. Over a career spanning more than 35 years, he earned the President’s Gallantry Medal and numerous accolades for his exemplary service. His story stood as a testament to resilience and determination, underscored by Ambedkar’s ideals of education and self-empowerment.
During his address, Shri Brij Lal discussed his relentless efforts to uplift marginalized communities across India. However, he also lamented the structural inequalities introduced under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, which he believed compromised both national security and the rights of Dalits. He particularly highlighted Article 370 and Section 35A, which, through presidential orders during Nehru’s era, granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, treating it as separate from the rest of India. He described how this provision created an environment where Dalits and other marginalized communities in the region faced systemic discrimination, being denied basic rights such as employment and relegated to menial jobs like sewage work, regardless of their education or aspirations.
Shri Brij Lal also reflected on historical episodes where political tactics were used to undermine Dr. Ambedkar’s electoral ambitions. He highlighted how Nehru, through what he termed as “cheap political tricks,” ensured Ambedkar’s defeat in elections across Bengal, Assam, and other regions. This, he argued, was part of a broader pattern of marginalizing Ambedkar’s influence.
In a poignant recounting of history, Shri Brij Lal spoke about Jogendra Nath Mandal, a close associate of Dr. Ambedkar, who moved to Pakistan along with a section of Dalit followers. Mandal became Pakistan’s first Law and Labour Minister after accepting an offer from Muhammad Ali Jinnah, an offer Ambedkar had angrily declined as he refused to support the idea of a separate country for Dalits akin to Pakistan for Muslims. Mandal’s journey, however, ended tragically. Shri Brij Lal narrated how Mandal, despite his early position, was soon ousted, and violence erupted against Dalits in Pakistan. Broken and disillusioned, Mandal fled back to India, where he lived in obscurity and died under a tin shed in Kolkata, forgotten and unrecognized.
The speaker also delved into the plight of Dalits who migrated from Punjab to Jammu and Kashmir. Under the provisions of Article 35A, they were denied fundamental rights, including employment opportunities, and were often forced to convert to Islam to survive. Shri Brij Lal contrasted this with the transformational changes brought about under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly with the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in 2019. He lauded the BJP government’s focus on empowering marginalized communities and ensuring their rightful place in society.
Shri Brij Lal concluded with a powerful statement: “As a Dalit, I could see how Ambedkar strived to build a better India for everyone, but Nehru, through amendments and systematic political passages, tried to halt that progress. However, destiny cannot be denied, and today, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Ambedkar’s dream is closer to being realized.”
Ven. Sanghpriya Rahul, National President, Bharatiya Baudh Sangh & Member, Hindi Advisory Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India
Ven. Sanghpriya Rahul, a practicing Buddhist monk often referred to as a bhante, captivated the audience with his deeply reflective address. Sharing his journey, he revealed how Dr. B.R. Ambedkar became his guiding inspiration, leading him to leave his secure government position in the Ministry of Education to dedicate his life to transforming the realities of Dalits across India. His adoption of Buddhism, inspired by Ambedkar’s own conversion, marked the beginning of a spiritual and social mission that has touched countless lives.
Ven. Rahul spoke passionately about his observations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s work since 2000 and praised the efforts of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in combating inequality at the grassroots level. He credited these efforts with fostering a more inclusive society while staying true to Ambedkar’s vision.
Delving into the political history of constitutional amendments, Ven. Rahul criticized the Nehru-Gandhi family’s handling of India’s foundational document. He emphasized how Jawaharlal Nehru initiated the process of undermining the Constitution through the First Amendment, which, he argued, paved the way for future political misuse of power. He pointed out how Indira Gandhi perpetuated this legacy by declaring the Emergency in 1975 and altering the Constitution’s Preamble to include terms like “secular” and “socialist,” which, according to Ven. Rahul, were absent from Ambedkar’s original draft. He asserted that Ambedkar had intentionally avoided incorporating such terms, understanding the divisive potential of such ideologies when imposed as state policy.
Ven. Rahul further remarked on Rajiv Gandhi’s controversial handling of the Constitution, particularly in the context of the 1985 Shah Bano case (related to triple talaq), where he believed personal political motives overrode constitutional values. He lamented how these amendments distorted Ambedkar’s vision, leaving fault lines in Indian society that continue to be exploited by separatist forces and, in his view, inexperienced political leaders like Rahul Gandhi. Criticizing the superficial engagement of such leaders with the Constitution, he remarked on the incongruity of them discussing such a nuanced document with inadequate understanding.
The bhante reiterated his life mission to uplift Dalits, who, he argued, still bear the brunt of the flaws introduced into the Nehruvian Constitution. He highlighted his work in converting Dalits to Buddhism, particularly in regions like Gujarat, the Northeast, and Jammu and Kashmir, as a way of empowering them spiritually and socially. He saw this as a continuation of Ambedkar’s unfinished journey to provide dignity and equality to the marginalized.
Ven. Rahul also shared his ambitious project to distribute one lakh copies of the Indian Constitution across the country. This initiative, undertaken under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to educate citizens about the true essence of the Constitution as India celebrates 75 years of its adoption. As a symbolic gesture of this mission, he distributed copies of the Constitution to all the attendees of the event, encouraging them to understand and internalize its values.
Ven. Rahul concluded his address with a heartfelt message: “Ambedkar’s Constitution was never just a document; it was a vision for an equitable and united India. To honor his legacy, it is our duty to preserve its essence, free from political distortions, and to ensure that its transformative power reaches every citizen.”
Shri Utpal Kumar, Author & Opinion Editor, Firstpost & News18
Shri Utpal Kumar, delivered a thought-provoking address that dissected the historical narratives surrounding India’s socio-political legacy. He began by critically examining the First Amendment to the Constitution, calling it the first instance of what he referred to as the “butchering” of Dr. Ambedkar’s vision. Shri Kumar argued that Jawaharlal Nehru’s dissatisfaction with Ambedkar’s monumental efforts in crafting the Constitution led him to initiate changes just 1.5 years after its adoption. He described this as a stark contrast to the progressive ideals Nehru was often credited with, instead portraying him as someone more focused on consolidating political power than preserving Ambedkar’s egalitarian vision.
He questioned the dominant narratives that have historically lionized the Nehru-Gandhi family as the architects of modern India. According to Shri Kumar, Indian society has been conditioned to view Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and their legacy as synonymous with liberal and progressive leadership. However, he described them as insecure, immature, and power-driven politicians who worked to suppress alternative visions for the nation’s growth.
Shri Kumar spotlighted other leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who were often portrayed in history as “Hindu majoritarian,” “right-wing,” or “oppressive” figures. He argued that this portrayal was intentionally crafted to sideline their invaluable contributions. Sardar Patel, for example, opposed the concept of equal wealth distribution that leaned towards socialist doctrines, while Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee boldly questioned the special autonomy granted to Jammu and Kashmir and collaborated with Buddhist organizations alongside Dr. Ambedkar to lay the foundation for a strong and unified India.
Challenging the audience to reexamine historical narratives, Shri Kumar provocatively asked: “Is Jawaharlal Nehru really the hero he has been portrayed as? And are the so-called ‘bad leaders’ truly as bad as they’ve been made out to be?”
Shri Kumar also discussed Nehru’s vision for a socialist state, sharing an anecdote about how Nehru once openly expressed disdain for the term “profit” during a lunch with J.R.D. Tata. When Tata suggested liberalizing the economy, arguing that wealth must first be generated in order to be distributed, Nehru’s ideological opposition to capitalism became apparent. Shri Kumar contrasted this vision with what he called “dharmanomics”—an economy grounded in cultural and spiritual values rather than rigid socialist or capitalist frameworks.
He cited the example of the ongoing Kumbh Mela, explaining how the event generated daily revenue comparable to the entire season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This, he argued, was a testament to India’s ability to harness its cultural and spiritual heritage for economic growth. He invited the audience to imagine a scenario where leaders like Sardar Patel or Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee had become India’s first Prime Ministers. Shri Kumar suggested that India’s understanding of its own socio-political past would have been richer, unfiltered by the lenses imposed by Nehruvian narratives.
As a call to action, Shri Kumar encouraged the student population to delve deeper into the true realities of India’s socio-political history. He urged them to not only read extensively but to write and share their understanding of the past, challenging the one-dimensional stories often propagated in textbooks. He also recommended his authored works as a valuable resource for gaining fresh perspectives on the complexities of Indian history and politics.
Shri Kumar concluded with a powerful reflection: “The question ‘What if?’ often lingers in the corridors of history. What if leaders like Patel or Mookerjee had shaped our country’s trajectory from the start? What would our economic and cultural identity look like today? The answer lies in revisiting history and understanding the truths that were buried under political propaganda.”
Dr. Asha Lakra
Dr. Asha Lakra, a Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, delivered a succinct yet impactful address, reflecting on her personal journey and the broader socio-political realities faced by marginalized communities in India. She began by sharing her own story as a young girl from a Scheduled Tribe (ST) background, emphasizing how education became her sole means to overcome the systemic hurdles created by societal inequalities. Dr. Lakra attributed her success to Dr. Ambedkar’s unwavering commitment to education and his pioneering efforts to secure rights for India’s marginalized communities. She declared that Ambedkar’s vision ensured no one could deny her the opportunity to rise above her circumstances.
Dr. Lakra then turned her focus to the harsh realities plaguing certain regions of India, particularly the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the Northeast. She highlighted the ongoing issues of human trafficking and the exploitation of women under the so-called “watchful eyes” of the previous Congress-led governments. She contrasted this with the proactive measures introduced by the current government, which she credited with addressing the challenges that have disproportionately affected women and vulnerable communities.
Discussing the role of policy in uplifting marginalized sections of society, Dr. Lakra praised initiatives like the Agniveer scheme. She explained how this program creates opportunities for individuals from humble backgrounds—such as those with only a 10th-grade education—to serve in the Indian Armed Forces and rise to positions of respect and responsibility. According to her, such schemes exemplify the inclusive vision of the current government, which seeks to empower individuals regardless of their socio-economic status.
Dr. Lakra also spoke about the structural changes implemented by past leaders that often-had adverse effects on minority communities. She commended the current government for not only recognizing these issues but actively working to reverse or mitigate their impact. In particular, she applauded the government’s focus on enhancing national security while simultaneously fostering equitable growth for all sections of society.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Lakra addressed the youth in the audience with a heartfelt message. She urged them to believe in their ability to transform their realities, regardless of the obstacles they face. She emphasized that the current government prioritizes the growth of every individual over political self-interest, creating an environment where hard work and determination can flourish.
Dr. Lakra’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, serving as both an inspiring personal testimony and a call to action for young people to seize the opportunities made available to them and strive for a brighter future.
Contribution by Dr. Anirban Ganguly, Chairman of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation,
Dr. Ganguly, set the tone for the event with his thought-provoking opening remarks and adept moderation. He emphasized the need for India’s youth to rise to the occasion, engage with history critically, and call out historical inaccuracies or injustices when they encounter them. Stressing the importance of intellectual inquiry, he encouraged the students present—hailing from various prestigious colleges of Delhi University with backgrounds in law, political science, history, and economics—to actively explore the past by reading Ambedkar’s works. Highlighting the exhibition organized by SPMRF just outside the seminar hall, Dr. Ganguly warmly invited the attendees to take books from the display, assuring them that the cost would be taken care of by the foundation, removing any barriers to knowledge.
Dr. Ganguly presented a powerful critique of Jawaharlal Nehru’s governance, describing it as a disservice to the nation’s democratic and constitutional principles. He focused on Dr. Ambedkar’s resignation letter—a profound yet often overlooked document—and how it was systematically buried to ensure no challenge to Nehru’s handling of the constitution could arise. He called attention to Ambedkar’s deep frustration with the Congress leadership and their repeated efforts to sideline him politically, despite his monumental contributions to the constitution and to the upliftment of marginalized communities.
One of the most striking parallels Dr. Ganguly drew was between the handling of the revival of Nalanda University under the Congress government and the present-day leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He described how, under Congress’s initiative in 2010, a committee was formed, led by Amartya Sen, to revive the ancient glory of Nalanda University, a global symbol of India’s intellectual heritage. However, the committee failed spectacularly in its mission, spending lavishly on meetings in international locations like London, New York, and Honolulu, while neglecting Rajgir—the site where Nalanda University once stood. Despite crores of rupees being invested, not even a fence was erected at the site, symbolizing the Congress’s empty gestures toward preserving India’s historical and cultural legacy.
Dr. Ganguly contrasted this with the Modi government’s approach, which emphasizes grounded, actionable initiatives that prioritize national pride and heritage over symbolic politics. He masterfully used the Nalanda example to illustrate the stark difference in governance between Nehru’s era and today, urging the audience to reflect critically on the trajectory of India’s development over the decades.
As he moderated the event, Dr. Ganguly introduced thought-provoking dimensions to the discussion. He questioned the undue haste with which Nehru made amendments to the constitution, sidelining Ambedkar’s vision. He brought up the Poona Pact, raising questions about whether its terms were genuinely respected in practice. He also touched upon the Congress’s deliberate political manoeuvres to ensure Ambedkar lost elections, thereby preventing him from exercising authority and challenging Nehru’s unilateral decisions.
Through his sharp observations and carefully curated inputs, Dr. Ganguly steered the discussion into uncharted territories, ensuring the speakers delved deeply into the realities of India’s socio-political history. His passion for engaging with the constitution as a living, breathing document and his appeal to the youth to become leaders who can truly serve the nation resonated powerfully. By weaving historical narratives with contemporary insights, Dr. Ganguly left a lasting impression on the audience, reminding them of the importance of knowing and respecting the constitution’s foundational principles.
Dr. Ganguly’s remarks culminated in a resounding call to action for the youth to reclaim their intellectual legacy and to view leaders like Nehru not through inherited glorification but with a critical lens. He encouraged the attendees to see the constitution not merely as a document but as a reflection of the aspirations, sacrifices, and vision of leaders like Dr. Ambedkar, who laid its foundation despite relentless challenges.
Conclusion
The discussion was a resounding success, offering a comprehensive and multifaceted exploration of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s unparalleled contributions to the Indian Constitution and the nation. The speakers brought diverse and compelling perspectives to the forefront, delving into historical, social, and political dimensions that enriched the dialogue and deepened the audience’s understanding. Their insights underscored the Constitution’s enduring relevance in addressing contemporary challenges and navigating the path toward a more just and equitable society.
This event reaffirmed the importance of critically engaging with our history and drawing lessons from the visionary leadership of Dr. Ambedkar. It served as a call to action for the youth and citizens alike, urging them to actively participate in the nation-building process by embracing the principles of justice, equality, and empowerment that the Constitution embodies. The interactive discussions, punctuated by real-life anecdotes and thought-provoking ideas, left the attendees inspired and motivated to contribute to India’s democratic fabric.
Acknowledgments
The Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the distinguished speakers for their insightful contributions, which brought depth and vigor to the discussion. Special thanks go to the attendees, particularly the students from Delhi University, whose active participation and enthusiasm reinforced the significance of involving young minds in such crucial dialogues.
The Foundation also acknowledges the efforts of its dedicated organizing team, whose meticulous planning and execution ensured the event’s success. Initiatives like these are a testament to the enduring relevance of remembering and honouring the visionary work of leaders like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose legacy continues to inspire and guide the nation. SPMRF remains committed to fostering such meaningful discussions and providing a platform for critical thought and informed debate on issues of national importance.
Author
(The views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the organisation)
