1.4 Pillars of Democracy By Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
List of difficult
words from the text along with their meanings:
1.
Unconstitutional: Not in accordance with or authorized by a country's
constitution.
2.
Justification: The action of showing something to be right or reasonable; a
reason or explanation.
3.
Anarchy: A state of disorder due to the absence or non-recognition of authority
or government.
4.
Caution: Care is taken to avoid danger or mistakes.
5.
Subvert: Undermine the power and authority of (an established system or
institution).
6.
Gratefulness: The state of being thankful or appreciative.
7.
Hero-worship: Excessive admiration or veneration for a hero or great man.
8.
Chastity: Purity or modesty, especially in sexual matters.
9.
Bhakti: The path of devotion or intense religious worship, particularly in
Indian religions.
10.
Magnitude: Greatness in size or extent.
11.
Peril: Danger or risk.
12.
Fraternity: A sense of brotherhood or common brotherhood among people.
13.
Unity: The state of being united or joined as a whole.
14.
Solidarity: Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among
individuals with a common interest.
15.
Triennial: Occurring every three years.
16.
Liturgy: A prescribed form or set of rituals for public religious worship.
17.
Laity: Ordinary members of a religious community, not part of the clergy.
18.
Delusion: A false belief or opinion that is firmly held despite being
contradicted by reality.
19.
Anti-national: Expressing opposition or hostility towards one's own country or
nation.
20.
Admiration: A feeling of respect and approval towards someone or something.
21.
Dictatorship: A form of government where a single leader or a small group holds
absolute power and authority.
22.
Contradiction: A situation where two statements, beliefs, or principles are
incompatible or inconsistent with each other.
23.
Social structure: The organized pattern of social relationships and
institutions within a society.
24.
Inequality: The state of being unequal, especially in terms of social,
economic, or political status.
25.
Hero-worship: Excessive adoration or reverence for a hero or a person of great
influence.
26.
Cherishing: To hold dear or show love and care for something or someone.
27.
Psychological: Relating to the mental or emotional state of an individual or
group.
28.
Castes: Social classes or groups determined by birth or occupation, especially
in traditional Indian society.
29.
Antipathy: A strong feeling of dislike or aversion towards someone or
something.
30.
Coats of paint: Superficial or cosmetic changes that do not address deeper
issues.
1.
Upholding Democracy: To maintain democracy not just in form but also in
reality, it is crucial to adhere to constitutional methods for achieving social
and economic objectives.
2.
Avoiding Unconstitutional Methods: Unconstitutional methods, even when there is
a justification for them, should be abandoned as they lead to the "Grammar
of Anarchy."
3.
Caution against Hero-Worship: In politics, hero-worship can be detrimental, and
people should not blindly trust a great man with powers that could undermine
democratic institutions.
4.
Need for Fraternity: Fraternity, a sense of common brotherhood among all
Indians, is vital for social stability and national unity.
5.
Challenges in Achieving Fraternity: India's vast diversity, with thousands of
castes, poses a challenge in achieving a true sense of nationhood and
fraternity.
6.
Contradictions in Indian Society: While political equality exists through the
principle of "one man one vote," social and economic inequalities
still persist, posing a threat to political democracy.
7.
The Path to Nationhood: Recognizing the need to become a united nation,
addressing caste divisions, and fostering fraternity are essential steps
towards realizing the goal.
8.
Fraternity as a Foundation: Fraternity is the foundation on which true equality
and liberty can thrive, making them more than superficial concepts.
The
lesson, which revolves around the wisdom of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, emphasizes the
significance of adhering to constitutional methods, avoiding hero-worship, and
fostering fraternity to strengthen the foundations of democracy in India.
1.
Upholding Democracy**: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar emphasizes the importance of not just
having a democratic system in name but ensuring that democratic principles are
followed in practice. This requires using constitutional methods to achieve
societal and economic goals, rather than resorting to unconstitutional and
anarchic approaches.
2.
Abandoning Unconstitutional Methods**: While acknowledging that there might
have been justifications for adopting unconstitutional means in certain
circumstances, Dr. Ambedkar urges that if constitutional methods are available
and open, there can be no justification for using unlawful and disruptive
approaches.
3.
Caution against Hero-Worship**: Dr. Ambedkar warns against the dangers of
hero-worship in politics. While recognizing and being grateful to great leaders
for their services to the country is acceptable, trusting them with unchecked powers
that can undermine institutions is risky. People must be cautious and not
sacrifice their liberties at the feet of any individual, no matter how great
they may be.
4.
Fraternity as a Unifying Force**: The principle of fraternity, or a sense of
common brotherhood among all Indians, is highlighted as a vital element in
fostering unity and social solidarity. It is crucial to achieving a true
nationhood where people recognize themselves as part of a single nation and
work together towards common goals.
5.
Challenges of Fraternity**: The speech acknowledges the difficulty in achieving
fraternity in India due to its immense diversity, with thousands of castes and
sub-castes. These divisions create social separations, generate jealousy, and
hinder the development of a unified national identity.
6.
Contradictions in Indian Society**: India faces a paradox where there is
political equality (one man one vote) but significant social and economic
inequality due to the prevailing caste system. This disparity between political
and social aspects can threaten the stability of political democracy.
7.
The Path to Nationhood**: Dr. Ambedkar raises questions about how long India
can continue living with these contradictions. To maintain political democracy,
it becomes necessary to resolve the inequalities and foster a strong sense of
nationhood.
8.
Fraternity as the Foundation of Equality and Liberty**: Dr. Ambedkar
underscores that true equality and liberty can only exist when fraternity is
deeply ingrained in society. Without fraternity, equality and liberty are
merely superficial and transient.
The
speech calls for the recognition of these issues and emphasizes the need to
address them promptly to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy in
India. Dr. Ambedkar's words serve as a reminder of the importance of
constitutional methods, caution against unchecked power, and the value of unity
and fraternity in a diverse nation.
Summary: Pillars
of Democracy - Dr B. R. Ambedkar
In
the speech "Pillars of Democracy," delivered by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar,
the architect of the Indian Constitution, he emphasizes the importance of
upholding democracy not only in form but also in practice. He presents two
fundamental pillars necessary for the preservation of democracy: adhering to constitutional
methods and fostering fraternity among all Indians.
Dr.
Ambedkar begins by highlighting the significance of constitutional methods in
achieving social and economic objectives. While he acknowledges that there may
have been justifications for adopting unconstitutional means in certain
situations, he firmly asserts that when constitutional methods are available,
there can be no justification for using unlawful and disruptive approaches. He
warns against the "Grammar of Anarchy," which arises when people
resort to unconstitutional methods, as this threatens the stability and essence
of democracy.
In conclusion, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's speech "Pillars of Democracy" highlights the necessity of constitutional methods, caution against hero-worship, and the significance of fraternity in fostering a robust and inclusive democracy in India. His wisdom serves as a guiding light for the nation to overcome its challenges and achieve the true essence of democracy, ensuring liberty, equality, and unity among all Indians.
Question and Answers: Pillars of Democracy by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Q1:
What are the two fundamental pillars Dr. B. R. Ambedkar emphasizes for
maintaining democracy?
A1:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar emphasizes two fundamental pillars for maintaining
democracy. The first pillar is the adherence to constitutional methods in
achieving social and economic objectives. He argues that when constitutional
methods are available and open, there can be no justification for resorting to
unconstitutional and anarchic approaches. The second pillar is the cultivation
of fraternity, which refers to a sense of common brotherhood among all Indians.
Dr. Ambedkar believes that fraternity is essential for social stability and
national unity.
A2:
Dr. Ambedkar warns against the dangers of hero-worship in politics. While he
acknowledges the role of great leaders and their contributions to the country,
he cautions that blindly trusting and granting unchecked powers to any
individual can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions. This
concentration of power in the hands of a single person can threaten the essence
of democracy and undermine the principles of equality and liberty.
A3:
India faces significant challenges in achieving fraternity due to its immense
diversity, with thousands of castes and sub-castes. The existence of caste
divisions creates social separations and generates jealousy and antipathy
between different groups. This hinders the development of a unified national
identity and a sense of common brotherhood among all Indians, making it
difficult to achieve true fraternity.
A4:
The contradiction between political equality (the principle of "one man
one vote") and social-economic inequality poses a challenge to Indian
society. While political equality ensures equal voting rights for all citizens,
social-economic inequality, mainly caused by the caste system, perpetuates
disparities and discrimination. This disparity threatens the stability of
political democracy, as social and economic divisions can lead to unrest and
hinder the progress of the nation.
A5:
Dr. Ambedkar believes that recognizing India as a nation in the social and
psychological sense is essential for fostering true unity and fraternity. He
argues that as long as people are divided by thousands of castes and lack a
sense of common brotherhood, the nation will face challenges in achieving true
nationhood. To strengthen political democracy and ensure the success of
constitutional methods, India must overcome these divisions and embrace a
unified national identity.
A6:
Dr. Ambedkar emphasizes the need to remove the contradictions between political
equality and social-economic inequality. He calls upon India to address the
caste system, which perpetuates discrimination and divisions in society. By
eradicating caste-based distinctions and fostering fraternity, the nation can
move towards a more inclusive and unified society, which will strengthen the
foundations of political democracy.
Q7: What is the role of fraternity in ensuring the significance of liberty and equality in a democratic society?
A7:
Dr. Ambedkar emphasizes that fraternity is the foundation upon which true
liberty and equality can thrive in a democratic society. Without a sense of
common brotherhood and unity among all citizens, liberty and equality become
superficial concepts. Fraternity binds people together and fosters a sense of
responsibility towards one another, ensuring that the principles of liberty and
equality are upheld for the collective benefit of society.
A8:
Dr. Ambedkar views constitutional methods as crucial for achieving social and
economic objectives in a democracy. He believes that when there are
constitutional means available, there can be no justification for resorting to
unconstitutional methods. Constitutional methods provide a framework for the
peaceful and lawful pursuit of societal and economic goals, ensuring that the
democratic principles of justice and fairness are upheld. By holding fast to
constitutional methods, the nation can maintain its democratic essence and
avoid the chaos that comes with resorting to unconstitutional means.
A9:
Dr. Ambedkar emphasizes caution in politics by warning against hero-worship and
blindly trusting great men with unchecked powers. He urges people not to lay
their liberties at the feet of any individual, regardless of their
contributions to the nation. Caution is necessary to preserve democratic
institutions and prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few,
which could lead to authoritarianism. Instead, he advocates for a balanced and
accountable distribution of power, where constitutional methods are followed
and democratic principles are upheld.
A10:
To overcome the challenges posed by India's diversity, Dr. Ambedkar calls for
recognizing the necessity of becoming a nation in the social and psychological
sense of the word. He acknowledges the difficulty in achieving fraternity due
to the existence of thousands of castes and sub-castes. However, he believes
that embracing a sense of nationhood is crucial for fostering unity and social solidarity.
To achieve this, he suggests overcoming caste divisions, promoting a sense of
common identity among all Indians, and working towards common goals to
strengthen the bonds of fraternity.
A11:
Dr. Ambedkar's vision of fraternity is closely related to social stability and
solidarity. Fraternity fosters a sense of common brotherhood among all
citizens, breaking down social barriers and promoting unity. When people
recognize themselves as part of a single nation and work together towards
common goals, social stability is achieved. Fraternity ensures that people
cooperate and support each other, creating a sense of social solidarity that
helps the nation withstand challenges and conflicts.
A12:
Dr. Ambedkar emphasizes the significance of constitutional methods for India
because of the country's immense diversity and challenges. India's vast
population consists of people from various religions, castes, and regions,
making constitutional methods the most effective way to manage and accommodate
this diversity. Constitutional methods ensure that the rights and interests of
all citizens are protected, and social harmony is maintained. By holding fast
to constitutional principles, India can navigate its complexities and build a
robust democracy that upholds justice, equality, and liberty for all.
A13:
Dr. Ambedkar's caution against hero-worship is closely related to the
principles of democracy. In a democratic society, power should be dispersed and
institutions should be accountable. Hero worship, or placing excessive trust
and authority in a single individual, can lead to the concentration of power
and undermine democratic values. In a true democracy, citizens should
critically evaluate leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. By
cautioning against hero-worship, Dr. Ambedkar stresses the need for a
collective and participatory approach to governance, where individuals' rights
and liberties are protected.
A14:
The existence of caste divisions in India poses a significant challenge to the
realization of fraternity. The caste system creates social hierarchies, leading
to divisions and discrimination among different groups. This fosters animosity
and hinders the development of a sense of common brotherhood and national
unity. Fraternity, as envisioned by Dr. Ambedkar, requires breaking down these
barriers and fostering inclusivity and equality among all citizens. Only by overcoming
caste divisions can India truly embrace fraternity and strengthen its social
fabric.
A15:
Dr. Ambedkar's speech acknowledges the tension between political equality and
social-economic inequality prevalent in Indian society. While political
equality is upheld through the principle of "one man one vote,"
social and economic inequalities persist due to the caste system and other
factors. He highlights the urgency of addressing these contradictions to ensure
the stability of political democracy. By resolving social-economic
inequalities, India can bridge the gap between political and social aspects,
promoting harmony and prosperity for all citizens.
A16:
Dr. Ambedkar suggests that India must recognize the need to become a nation in
the social and psychological sense. This requires fostering a shared national
identity that transcends caste, religion, and regional differences. To achieve
this, India should promote social integration and unity among diverse
communities. Educational reforms that promote inclusivity and awareness of
shared history and culture can play a crucial role. Additionally, addressing
social-economic inequalities and actively promoting fraternity can further
strengthen the sense of nationhood in India.
Q17: How does fraternity contribute to social stability and prevent disintegration in a diverse nation like India?
A17:
Fraternity contributes to social stability by promoting a sense of common
brotherhood and solidarity among all citizens. In a diverse nation like India,
where people belong to various linguistic, religious, and cultural backgrounds,
fraternity acts as a unifying force. Social divisions and conflicts decrease when individuals feel connected to one another and identify as part of a larger collective. Fraternity fosters empathy, cooperation, and a commitment
to shared goals, preventing disintegration and strengthening the social fabric
of the nation.
A18:
Fraternity plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success of democracy
in India. As a sense of common brotherhood among all Indians is fostered,
citizens develop a shared responsibility for the welfare of the nation. This
encourages active participation in democratic processes and a commitment to
upholding democratic values. Fraternity promotes inclusivity and ensures that
all voices are heard, contributing to the establishment of a vibrant and
sustainable democracy that benefits the entire society.
Share
No comments:
Post a Comment