“Shri BR Ambedkar, the first Law Minister of India, played an important part in building the just society that we see today,” declared HH Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, about the father of the Indian Constitution on his death anniversary. “He contributed significantly to the liberty, equality, fraternity, harmony and justice that we see in India today. And, he not only played an important role in ensuring gender equality, but he helped to establish the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work’ without gender bias.”

“We must reflect on Shri Ambedkarji’s teachings because today India is facing many socio-economic challenges like casteism, communalism, separatism and gender inequality – and his teachings can help us to deal with those challenges! He made tireless efforts to give equal status to the person standing on the margins of the society – he wanted to rebuild society – and he worked tirelessly for the eradication of untouchability by adopting idealistic, long-term and practical measures to do so.

“Ambedkar ji said that until you achieve social freedom, whatever freedom the law gives you is of no use to you! In fact, social freedom is necessary to provide direction to society. The Indian Constitution guarantees various fundamental rights to citizens – one of which is the right to liberty. Social liberty is a condition of free living within society where all individuals, irrespective of caste or gender or religion or other factors, have the opportunity to find their place. The absence of this freedom leads to inequality in education, healthcare and other social constructs.

“To make sure that we all enjoy social freedom, it is important to ensure progressive changes in society. Creating social sensitivity through instilling awareness and through education is the best way to ensure social freedom for all members of society.”