Ambedkar's Vision of Socio-Economic Transformation

The present book examines the Dr. Ambedkar's Vision of Socio-Economic Transformation. It is an edited work which is based on the primary and the secondary sources. This book gives interesting and vivid information about the vision of Ambedkar viz-a-viz society, politics and economy of the modern India,

Bharat Ratna' Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) was not only an economist by training, but he devoted considerable attention to analyzing the economic dimensions of social problems His great contribution as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution is widely acclaimed. He struggled throughout his life to secure the socio-economic rights of the depressed classes, minorities and women. His initiatives have influenced various spheres of life and transformed the way India today looks at socio-economic policies, education and affirmative action through socio-economic and legal incentives. He wrote many books and research articles in journals, magazines particularly in the field of sociology, economics, business and finance. In fact, the economic approach of Ambedkar can be understand not only by reading his published works but also by analyzing his role as an administrator in laying the foundation of the modern labour law, river valley projects, and the electricity He understood deeply the linkage between the agriculture, poverty cradication, education, industrialization and economic infrastructure. Even while advocating land reforms, his grasp of the social, political, economic and administrative dynamics led him to advocate the feasible path rather than polices based on intentions and mere principles.

Today India is growing fast on various economic indicators like, GDP growth rate, Per F9 Capita Income, FDI, Trade, etc. but common Indians are frustrated and disappointed due to many social and economic problems. The gap I between the rich and the poor is widening day by day. In such a scenario, it becomes necessary to understand and apply the economic thoughts, principles and theories of Dr. Ambedkar. In order to { eradicate poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, fiscal deficit, trade deficit, etc. his approach on proper management of foreign exchange and financial resources etc must be given due importance. This book will help to understand Ambedkar's philosophy to resolve socio-economic problems in the world.

Dr. Mahabir Narwal is Professor, Department of Commerce, Kurukshetra University, and Kurukshetra. He has teaching experience of more than 21 years. He has guided 5 Ph.D. and 45 M. Phil. students. He has to his credit over 40 research papers in national and international journal. He has presented around 52 research papers in national and international conferences/seminars. He has represented Kurukshetra University in International Conferences at Chicago (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Bangkok (Thailand) and Dabang (Vietnam).

He has completed one minor research project "An Appraisal of Grant for Construction of House Development Scheme for Social Justice in Kurukshetra District" funded by Centre for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; one Major Research Project "Corporate Social Responsibility: A tool of Strategic Advantage" funded by UGC and authored a book titled Social Harmony and Nation Building: Perspectives of Dr. B R. Ambedkar. He is also a paper coordinator to develop e-content and authored 10 Modules for Post Graduate Program in Human Resource Management under UGC Project, an initiative of Ministry of HRD.

Besides academics, he is associated with UG/PG Board of Studies, various inspections, selection, UMC, enquiry committees and Road safety club. He has been the member of the university court and presently member of Academic Council. At present he is also working (additional charge) as Director, Centre for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

Dr. Ajay Solkhe, presently working as Assistant Professor in University School of Management, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra since 2006. He specializes in the area of HR & OB. He has more than 25 Research papers/articles to his credit published in national and international journals of repute. He has participated and presented papers in 30+ national and international conference/seminars so far Presently he is also Project Director of a Major Research Project sanctioned by Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi in 2019. He is also an Associate Editor of TSME Journal of Management and also acting as reviewer for some of the reputed management journals. He is also Life Member of National Human Resource. Development Network and Indian Society of Training and Development.

Dr. Gopal Parshad is presently working as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of History at the Institute of Integrated and Honors Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. He is also working as Deputy Director (additional charge), Centre for Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Studies, Kurukshetra University. He has more than twenty six years' experience of teaching and research to his credit. His thrust area of interest for research is Modern History of India. He has guided seven students for M. Phil and three students for Ph. D degrees. He has written extensively on the Political, Social and Economic History of Modern India and authored 'Industrial Development in Northern India (1858-1918): A Study of Delhi, Punjab and Haryand' (2005); 'Modes of Agriculture: A Study of Haryana and Punjab' (2009), 'Social Harmony and Nation Building: Perspective of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (2019) and Revisiting Bhimrao Ambedkar: A Study of Social and Political Justice (2019). Moreover, 14 books of History for undergraduate classes and 23 research articles published in national and international journals also flowed from his pen. His active participation in national and international conferences is also evidenced by his 38 research papers presented by him. His multifarious interest in various academic and other important activities is also reinforced by the fact that he has organized a number of seminars, workshops, conferences and quiz competitions. He has also chaired and co-chaired the various sessions of national and international conferences. He is also the member of Indian History Congress and Punjab History Conference. His name figures on the panels of various committees of the University such as U. G. and P. G. Board of Studies, Inspection Committee, Observer, Selection Committee, Unfair Means Committee, and Complaint Committee.

The present book titled 'Ambedkar's Vision of Socio Economic Transformation' examines, explores and portrays Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar's vision for restructuring the socio economic scenario of the country. This book comprises more than thirty research-based articles of distinguished teachers and eminent scholars, throwing abundant light on the various aspects of Dr. Ambedkar's personality and his spectacular contribution towards the socio-economic transformation of India. He is not only remembered as the chief architect of the Constitution of India, the largest Constitution of the World, which paved the way for laying the firm foundation of social and political democracy, embodying the spirit of equality, liberty and fraternity but also a distinguished economists of the country. This book also focuses upon the philosophy of Ambedkar regarding society, religion, untouchability, abolition of caste system, women empowerment, democracy etc.

Dr. Ambedkar's role in socio-economic change and his engagement with nation-building operations have earned him undying glory and an iconic status. Born in a family of the depressed class but educated on the lines of the western system, his appearance in the colonial India was at a very opportune moment to assume the natural leadership of the depressed classes. He got engaged in social and economic reform movements, and played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution. To transform Indian society, he emphasized the establishment of a casteless and egalitarian society, and his three principles - Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are enshrined in Indian Constitution, giving equal opportunities to all classes.

The main objective of Ambedkar was to remove all kinds of social, economic and political inequalities. His main concept of social and political development includes unity, equality and self respect. He maintains that without socio-economic democracy, neither political democracy nor national unity can be established.

. Ambedkar established Bahiskrit Hitkarni Sabha' in 1924 to ameliorate the social and economic condition of the untouchables. In 1927, he also launched Mahad Satyagraha to assert the rights for depressed classes and to press for the implementation of the order by Mahad Municipality allowing the untouchables to collect water from Chavdar tank. He marched to the tank, drew water from it and drank it. At the same time, he was nominated to the new Bombay Legislative Council, wherein he vigorously fought for the rights of the downtrodden. He also launched a movement for the entry of the untouchables in Kalaram temple in Nasik. He also participated in round table conferences in England and succeeded in securing political rights for the depressed classes.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was a legendary figure who played a significant role in the socio-economic transformation of India. He was not only the chief architect of Indian Constitution but also a great social reformer and a universal economist. He struggled throughout his life to secure safeguard the socio-economic rights of the downtrodden. He wrote many books and research articles in various journals and magazines, focusing upon social evils and various distortion afflicting the economy, business and finance. In fact the socio-economic approach of Ambedkar can be understood not only by reading his scholarly written research oeuvre but also by analyzing his role as an administrator in laying the foundation of modern and economically strong India.

Ambedkar's notion of socio-economic development can be understood if we view his thoughts in an integrated way considering the fact he was a versatile genius having expertise on diverse disciplines and a variety of subjects. Hence, gleaning his thoughts from his writings and putting them in a coherent way to grasp his philosophy of socio-economic development is indeed a difficult task. Although, Dr. Ambedkar did not use the term 'development', he integrated it in his views while emphasizing that economic structure constitutes a vital aspect of democracy. For him, democracy is a form of government which sensitizes the social conscience so that rights and duties are equally shared by the people. He also maintains that political democracy cannot last, unless social democracy forms its central core. He was a strong champion of social justice for the downtrodden and his vision of a strong nation consisted in social and political democracy, providing greater opportunities to those who have been victims of discrimination and denial of opportunities since times immemorial. His three principles - Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are enshrined in the Indian Constitution, giving equal opportunities to all classes. He emphasized the agriculture labour should be given at least minimum wages fixed by the government apart from fixing the number of their working hours, conferring leave benefits, insurance, etc. According to him, to release the pressure on agriculture the country needs to be industrialized in a bigger way.

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