Gandhi, Ambedkar and the Expirpation of Untouchability

By : Hirendra Nath Mukerjee

Page No: 369-390

Abstract
In this article,# the author highlights the deeply entrenched issues of caste discrimination and untouchability in the Indian society and discusses the psychological, socio-cultural, economic, and politico-constitutional nuances of the degrading practice. The author explains how the inhuman and degrading practices of caste-system and untouchability are pernicious to the cause of a democratic society. Explaining the deep caste-rigidities and prejudices and the consequent gory plight of the untouchables, the author attempts to shake the national conscience. The author discusses the perspectives of Ambedkar and Gandhi on the caste system and their respective approaches to the elimination of the curse of untouchability from the Indian society and, in the process, also highlights the points of discord between their respective approaches. The author narrates how implementation of the constitutional measure of reservation for ameliorating the plight of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has fallen short of the requirements and also the stance of the caste Hindus towards the untouchables leading to the exasperation of Ambedkar towards the end of his life.

Author :
Hirendra Nath Mukerjee : Former Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha.