Raipur: While highlighting the concept of fraternity, Retired Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra asked citizens to be respectful and cordial with each other.
An inclusive society rests on the foundation of fraternity, he said.
"All of us claim that I live in a great democracy, I live in the largest democracy. But do you respect your fellow men? Do you respect your colleagues? Do you respect your classmates? These are questions to be put and understood. Needless to say, Dr. Ambedkar was deeply inspired by the idea of fraternity in social, religious, civic and economic matters. When it is achieved, inclusiveness becomes the norm and way of life...."
The former CJI was delivering the 3rd Dr. BR Ambedkar Memorial Lecture at Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur on the subject "Actualisation of Dr. Ambedkar's ideas: Inclusiveness, Equality, and Affirmative Rights". The event, which was also live-telecasted, was attended by advocates, legal experts and law students.
Adding on the subject of fraternity, he said that mutual respect and dignity are the fulcrum of democracy while quoting Subramanian Swamy judgement delivered by the Supreme Court of India.
The judge stated that fraternity is an inseparable part of social democracy and a part of our Preamble.
"Inclusiveness and fraternity are at the root of democracy. He (Ambedkar) is speaking on the Indian context".
His (Ambedkar) idea of inclusion is based on the annihilation of the age old - CASTE. Society should include equal opportunity, the judge said.
With regard to significance of non-discrimination against caste, creed, and culture, the same was upheld by Ambedkar. His vision was that every citizen was protected and respected, the former CJI reminded.
Economic empowerment key to social justice
According to the Supreme Court judge, Dr. BR Ambedkar realised the co-relation between fraternity, inclusiveness and democracy.
He further added that economic empowerment was important for achieving social justice according to Dr. Ambedkar. "Without addressing economic disparities, true emancipation and empowerment of the marginalised communities remain a distant image".
While addressing the gathering, he also expressed how the father of the Indian Constitution was a calm, composed and poised person.
"Young intellectuals, please remember- Ambedkar was not only a sensible person but an extremely compassionate person".
On systemic inequalities, he recognized the need for affirmative action for underprivileged people and scheduled castes, Justice Misra told the crowd.
"Every citizen must be in a position to claim fundamental rights. And, it must be binding. If citizens can't claim, what's the use?... If we want part III, fundamental rights, to be really recognized, then we have to destroy discrimination in all its forms".
Ambedkar's concepts of reservation and affirmation have restructured India's political scene, the judge additionally said.
"According to Ambedkar, political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the best social democracy".
Hailing Ambedkar's views, the judge also discussed how Ambedkar's views, which purely stemmed out of reason and logic, are relevant even in today's times.
I say this without any fear of contradiction that Ambedkar will remain relevant for all times. He will never be dated.
"Time cannot erase him! Time cannot erase his thoughts!"
The lecture ended with an interactive question and answer round with the audience.
PRAGYA PATHAK Jan 27, 2024
Very well put. These ideas of Dr. Ambedkar put forth by Deepak Misra need to be remembered time and again to stay rooted.