Arise Bharat

Dr. Sudhakara Hosalli
Constitutional Expert & Regional Director

Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru,

Today marks the solemn remembrance day of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Seminars on Ambedkar’s life and thought are organised not only across India but throughout the global intellectual community. His profound messages continue to be revisited in the context of contemporary challenges, prompting reflection and action. Even sixty nine years after his passing, the number of people who study, follow, and emulate his contributions, ideals, and policy perspectives continues to grow.

In India, Babasaheb Ambedkar has not remained a mere historical figure; he has evolved into a movement. His ideas have left a deep and lasting impression on the Indian mind. Because his message has pervaded nearly every sphere of national life, certain divisive forces selectively appropriate and distort his thought and identity for narrow political ends.

The potency of his influence—far more powerful than any weapon—is today being misused by groups seeking to weaken the foundational pillars of this nation. Such attempts are fraught with grave danger. At his core, Ambedkar was a staunch patriot, and the expression of national consciousness that flowed from him was unwavering.

Throughout the year, and not just on commemorative occasions, India continues to engage with Ambedkar—through discussions, seminars, workshops, conferences, and public programmes. His revolutionary ideas on social equality have made Ambedkar a moral and intellectual touchstone for the entire nation.

Efforts to study, discuss, and more effectively implement Ambedkar’s ideals for building an equitable society continue with pride. Young people and women draw inspiration from him to cultivate a spirit of social unity. Yet amid all these constructive developments, there persists a section of society that consciously works to fragment the nation, distort history, and disrupt social harmony.

Therefore, responsible citizens must convey Ambedkar’s true intentions to society with discernment and scholarly clarity. Failing to do so risks weakening India’s progress, national integrity, and civilisational roots. Communicating Ambedkar’s teachings in their authentic form is crucial to addressing many of India’s fundamental challenges.

The man who proclaimed, “I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu,” also declared with equal force: “I am first and foremost an Indian, and I shall remain an Indian to the very end.”
Instilling Ambedkar’s resolute patriotism in the minds of the youth and children would be the greatest tribute to him.

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In February 1942, while delivering a lecture titled “Thoughts on Pakistan” at the Gokhale Hall in Bombay during a summer lecture series, Ambedkar warned:

“It is wrong to tell people to forget history. Those who forget history will never be able to create history.
If the number or dominance of Muslims in the Indian Army has to be reduced and the army kept sound, it is wise to remove the undesirable element.”

Such statements could be made only by someone whose heart was anchored in nationalism. Ambedkar further said:

“We will defend our country. Do not labour under the delusion that Pakistan can extend its Muslim supremacy over India. Hindus will make them bite the dust.”

He continued with a powerful pledge:

“I admit I differ from the orthodox Hindus on several issues. But I solemnly declare before you that I am prepared to sacrifice my life to defend my motherland.”

This was the highest and most sacred vow any son of India could take.

On 24 May 1950, speaking at a meeting organised by the Hyderabad Progressive Group, Ambedkar remarked:

“The Constitution of India has granted extensive fundamental rights to citizens. Yet I have placed certain limitations on them in order to safeguard the interests of the nation.”

Through this, he conveyed the stern message that personal liberty must never override national sovereignty.

In the same year, Columbia University—where Ambedkar had once been a student—took the exceptional decision to confer upon him an honorary LL.D. in recognition of his monumental role in drafting the Constitution of India. Ambedkar was deeply moved when he received the news.

However, as the newly formed Indian government was then grappling with several critical constitutional challenges that required his expertise, he humbly declined to travel to the United States. Although the university was willing to confer the degree in his absence, Ambedkar wrote that he would personally receive it within a year or two. The ceremony was postponed accordingly—an act that once again demonstrated that, for Ambedkar, the nation always came first.

A telling example of his fervent desire for India’s independence is found in his stance towards the Congress and the British. Although he had opposed the Congress for nearly two decades, he once declared:

“You are fighting for Swaraj. I am ready to join you. I assure you that I can fight better than you.
But I have one condition—tell me what my share ( depressed classes)  in Swaraj will be.
If you are unwilling to tell me, and if you intend to negotiate behind my back with the British, then both of you may go to hell!”

This fierce assertion reflected his deep yearning for India’s liberation.

If today’s youth internalise the same sense of affection, pride, and reverence for their land that Ambedkar held, India’s development journey will break every barrier and move forward with renewed vigour.

Unfortunately, in numerous movements, agitations, and campaigns that challenge India’s national interest, Ambedkar’s image and slogans are frequently invoked. He is often projected as an inspiration for anti-national or anti-government struggles. Yet Ambedkar, throughout his life, never once made a statement that contradicted the idea of Indian nationalism. Not a single one of his essays, writings, or speeches ends without reinforcing the idea of national unity.

He consistently opposed the many divisive designs emanating from the West, urging Indians to resist them with a sense of regional and national identity. Every piece of his writing was ultimately aimed at nation-building and social reconstruction.

Recognising this, every citizen must approach Ambedkar’s legacy with responsibility.

Source: Collected Works and Speeches of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Vol. 18, pp. 91, 456, 458, 659.