New Delhi: Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly called Babasaheb, is no doubt one of the tallest Indian personalities.
He is regarded as the architect of the Indian Constitution. Of late, there has literally been a fight among various political parties to claim his legacy.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has gone on to even label Ambedkar as a ‘Hindu nationalist’.
But, Dr Ambedkar has on a number of occasions spoken against extreme form of Hindutva.
The same is evident in five quotes by Dr Ambedkar:
“Slavery will not be tolerated in the name of religion. This Manusmriti, in the very first chapter says that Brahmans are created from Brahma’s (creator’s) head, Kshatriya from his hands, Vaishyas from his thighs and Shudras from his feet. By burning this Manusmriti, we launch a mission to uproot casteism from its roots. But getting rid of caste alone is not our goal, this is the beginning of social revolution which would end Brahman hegemony.”
“A bitter thing cannot be made sweet. The taste of anything can be changed. But poison cannot be changed into nectar.” (in response to Mahatma Gandhi's efforts to reclaim Dalits back into the Hindu fold.)
“…no one can doubt that there was a time when Hindus, both Brahmins and non-Brahmins, ate not only flesh but also beef.”
“Though, I was born a Hindu, I solemnly assure you that I will not die as a Hindu.”
“I will not believe in Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Neither would I worship them.”
