Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. Politician, economist, jurist, and social reformer, Dr Amberkar doned many hats in his life dedicated the cause of all round upliftment of the Dalits- The most socially and economically underprivileged section of the Indian society.
He was also the first Minister of Law and Justice of independent India. Decades on, the iconic leader is still remembered for his desire to make India a better country to live in.
Dr. Ambedkar breathed his last on April 6, 1956, three days after completing his final manuscript- The Buddha and His Dhamma as he passed away in sleep at his Delhi home.
Ever since, the day is observed as 'Mahaparinirvan Diwas' to remember his unfathomable contribution to society and his achievements. Every year millions of his followers from across the country assemble at the 'Chaitya Bhoomi' in Dadar to pay their tributes to him as they offer flowers, garlands and candles amid the chants of 'Jai Bhim.'
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also makes elaborate arrangements, including that of washrooms and clean water, to provide convenience to the people visiting Chaityabhoomi.
However, in the wake of detection of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Maharashtra Government has issued fresh guidelines for the Chaityabhoomi event this year. Fully vaccinated people will be allowed entry after thermal screening and also checking of temperature. It will be mandatory to wear masks, use sanitiser and keep social distance to avoid crowding and spread of virus infection.
On the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas, here are 10 quotes by Ambedkar that are relevant even today.
Life should be great rather than long.
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.
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.
However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad.
I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.
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.
For a successful revolution, it is not enough that there is discontent. What is required is a profound and thorough conviction of the justice, necessity, and importance of political and social rights.
Humans are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise, both will wither and die.
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.
If I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it.
