Ambedkar .

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was one of the
main architects of the Indian [Link] was a very well known political leader,
philosopher, writer, economist, scholar and a social reformer who dedicated his life to
eradicating untouchability and other social inequality in
India.
The concept of social justice is broader than that of justice The word ‘social’ is
connected with society. Its scope is wide, including social issues, problems and reforms,
thereby it encompasses social and economic change. Social justice involves measures
taken for the advancement of the depressed and disadvantaged classes of society. Hence it
calls for social engineering which is an attempt to change society in order to deal with social
problems.
Social justice is the equitable distribution of social, material and political resources to all
citizens. It seeks to remove all social, economic and political inequalities and discriminations,
and affords equal opportunities to all men and women in social affairs and economic
activities. Social justice is the product of social injustice; it seeks to ensure equality of status
and opportunity to all.
According to B. R. Ambedkar, social justice is a means to create an ideal or a just
society. To him a just society is a casteless society, based on the principles of social
justice and a combination of three components: liberty, equality and fraternity.

1. Ambedkar believed that the three essential conditions that make liberty real were:
 social equality,
 economic equality and
 access to knowledge
Firstly, there should be social equality.
The more equal are the social rights of citizens, the more able they are to utilize their
freedom.

Secondly, there must be economic security.

A man may be free to enter any vocation he may choose….yet if he is deprived
of security in employment, he becomes a prey of mental and physical servitude
incompatible with the very essence of liberty.

Thirdly, knowledge must be made available to all individuals.

The right of man to education becomes fundamental
to his freedom. deprivation of knowledge is a denial
of the power to use liberty for great ends.

2. The second component of social justice is equality. It means all men are of the same
essence, all men are equal and everyone is entitled to the same fundamental rights and
to equal liberty.
3. The third component of social justice is fraternity.
Fraternity is a force of opposite character. Fraternity is another name for
fellow feeling. It consists in a sentiment which leads an individual to identify himself
with the good of [Link] helps to sustain the moral order among
men.

Hence Ambedkar’s concept of social justice included:

 unity and equality of all human beings
 equal worth of men and women
 respect for the weak and the lowly
 regard for human rights
 benevolence, mutual love, sympathy, tolerance and charity towards fellow beings
 humane treatment in all cases
 dignity of all citizens
 abolition of caste distinctions
 education and property for all and
 good will and gentleness

The concept of social justice is enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The fathers of the
Indian Constitution had a dream of a new social, economic and political order, the soul
of which was social [Link] was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
He was fully aware of the pattern and problems of the Indian society and the conflicting
interests. The Constitution is a monumental example of social engineering.

Social justice is not defined in the Indian Constitution. It is a relative [Link] social
justice is not defined in the Constitution, the Preamble, the directive
principles of state policy and the fundamental rights clearly illustrate the philosophy of
social justice.

Ambedkar’s efforts to abolish social inequality, social stigma and social disabilities in our
society culminated in the provisions of Fundamental rights mentioned in the constitution.
Ambedkar and the founding fathers of our Constitution emphasized that the objective of the
Constitution was to establish an egalitarian society where rights were guaranteed to not a few
but to all. They firmly believed that right to equality of opportunity has no meaning unless
the vast disparities in society are [Link] the Fundamental Rights guarantee the rights
and liberties of the individual againstarbitrary state action, the Directive Principles seek to
emphasize economic and social goals.
1. Educational Awar eness for the Depr essed Classes

Ambedkar firmly believed that education was the cornerstone for uplifting oppressed
communities, particularly the Dalits, or "depressed classes." He regarded education as a
means of empowering individuals to challenge discrimination, advocate for their rights, and
participate fully in society. Through educational reform, Ambedkar aimed to dismantle the
social hierarchy that had historically excluded these groups. He encouraged Dalits to seek
knowledge and emphasized that only through literacy and awareness could they break free
from the cycle of poverty and subjugation. His approach to social justice placed education as
a critical instrument for self-respect and socio-political engagement, thus strengthening the
collective ability of marginalized communities to demand equality.

2. Establishing an Egalitar ian Society

Ambedkar’s vision was to establish a society based on equality, liberty, and fraternity, where
everyone enjoyed equal opportunities without discrimination. Inspired by Enlightenment
ideals, Ambedkar opposed the caste-based hierarchy, which he saw as the main source of
injustice in India. He advocated for a Constitution that guaranteed fundamental rights to all
citizens, especially the socially marginalized. By including provisions that prohibited
discrimination and promoted affirmative action, Ambedkar aimed to create a level playing
field. His vision of an egalitarian society went beyond social equality; it included economic
justice, where resources and opportunities were equitably distributed to reduce the wealth
gap. This emphasis on a socially just framework aimed at restructuring society for the
holistic inclusion of marginalized groups.

3. Women Empower ment

Ambedkar was a pioneer of women's rights in India and viewed women's liberation as
essential to achieving social justice. He believed that a society could not be truly egalitarian
if women were excluded from education, employment, and political life. Ambedkar
understood that empowering women would not only transform families but also create a
more inclusive and progressive society. He championed for reforms that enabled women to
be self-sufficient and treated as equals, thereby enhancing their social status and participation
in nation-building.

In conclusion, B.R. Ambedkar's vision of social justice was revolutionary, aiming to

transform India into an inclusive, egalitarian society free from caste-based oppression, social
inequality, and gender discrimination. Through his commitment to educational awareness for
the marginalized, his push for legal reforms, and his advocacy for women’s rights,
Ambedkar laid a powerful foundation for a more just society. His principles of liberty,
equality, and fraternity continue to resonate.