From Periphery to Centre Stage

Of late, there has been a proliferation of writings on Dr. Ambedkar, Dalits and their problems. A serious perusal of this voluminous literature shows, however, that although much has been said about the subjects, still great deal remains to be said. The present study seeks to fill this gap.

The study deals with three themes: (i) Dr. Ambedkar, (ii) Ambedkarism, and (iii) Dalit future. The three themes are interconnected. Dr. Ambedkar is central to the entire exercise. Hence a major part of the study is devoted to an understanding of the man, his ideology and his movement.

Thanks to Dr. Ambedkar and his long, hard efforts, the Dalits have moved a great deal from the periphery where the powerful vested interest had lodged them for thousands of years, to the centre stage of the national life. But still they are far from the place that rightfully belongs to them. In theory they are honourable citizens of this land. The Constitution guarantees them the same rights and privileges that it has given to others. In the eyes of law they are equal in status to others in every respect. But in reality it is not so: they are still ‘untouchables’—almost everywhere. They are still a dispossessed, disinherited and deprived lot in terms of power, pelf, and privileges.

Why is it so? This study explains the position. And it does a little more too: it discusses at length as to how Dalits can get over their difficulties and problems which impede the way to their destination beyond the ruins of the horrible past coated with grime and grease of inequity, injustice and indignity.