Ambedkar: The Architect of India constitution

Dr. Ambedkar was the Conscience of Modern India — Eleanor Zelliot

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a great social reformer, renowned scholar, and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He carved a unique place in modern India through his egalitarian social ideology and democratic political thought.

Ambedkar envisioned a just society rooted in the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, advocating for a new social order that combined political freedom, social emancipation, and economic prosperity. To realize these goals, he equipped people with rights derived from the Constitution.

Ambedkar and the Making of the Indian Constitution

As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ambedkar played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Constitution. He studied various global constitutions and incorporated their best features, like Fundamental Rights from the USA, DPSPs from Ireland, and parliamentary democracy from Britain. The Constitution, under his leadership, became a moral and legal framework for social transformation. In his words:

” I feel that the Constitution is workable, it is flexible, and it is strong enough to hold the country together both in peacetime and in wartime.”

1. Rationality of Law

Cultivation of the human mind is the ultimate aim of human existence.” Ambedkar

Ambedkar believed that both life and governance must be guided by reason rather than superstition or arbitrary law. He argued that rational rules should replace irrational traditions.

To ensure Parliament makes just laws, he strengthened the judiciary through judicial review under Article 13, where they can nullify any law if it violates Fundamental Rights and the Constitution, as seen in the Minerva Mills case. He also emphasized constitutional remedies, which he described as the “heart and soul of the Constitution.”

2. Social Justice

“Justice is another name of liberty, equality, and fraternity.” — B.R. Ambedkar

One of Ambedkar’s core missions was to eradicate caste-based discrimination and create a casteless society.

His vision is reflected in the DPSPs, in provisions like equal pay for equal work, welfare of SCs and STs, and the right to work, education, and public assistance. He believed that every individual is an end in themselves, echoing Kantian ethics.

3. Social Humanism

Ambedkar’s social humanism emphasized the dignity and equality of all human beings. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law. The Fundamental Rights safeguard freedom in the social, economic, political, and religious spheres. Ambedkar believed that every individual must take responsibility for shaping their own destiny, and the Constitution is a tool that empowers them to do so.

4. Emphasis on Democracy

Ambedkar strongly advocated parliamentary democracy, but he went beyond political democracy to stress the importance of social and economic democracy.

He reflect his ideal democracy as “We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well. Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy.”

Conclusion

Ambedkar placed the individual at the center of his ideology, aiming to secure their dignity and rights through the Constitution. His work ensured that millions of marginalized voices found legal recognition and protection, upheld by an independent judiciary. Through the Constitution, Ambedkar gave India a transformative document that continues to guide its democratic journey.