B. R. Ambedkar's Views On Religion And Rationality

Mission

Although being a genius Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had pertinent views on many subjects, all of which cannot be discussed in a short article like this. Hence, an attempt will be made here to deliberate on some of his more famous pronouncements and acts. Religion and Rationality: Dr. Ambedkar's views on religion and its applicability to our lives put him in the category of the greatest rationalists and humanists that the world has ever produced. To quote a few of them: " Religion must mainly be a matter of principles only. It cannot be a matter of rules. The moment it degenerates into rules, it ceases to be a religion, as it kills the responsibility which is an essence of a true religious act…Sovereignty of scriptures of all religions must came to an end if we want to have a united integrated India." History of religions reveals that there is no doubt that it is the sovereignty of scriptures which has been the cause of many wars, terrorist acts and senseless killings of innocent people throughout the world. Yet Dr. Ambedkar considered religion necessary for peaceful and progressive existence of society and declared, "Some people think that religion is not essential to the society. I do not hold this view. Foundations of religion are essential to the society… At the roots of Hindu social system lies dogma

Equality in society, equality before law and administration, constitutional morality, lack of tyranny of the majority and developing public conscience are conditions for the success of democracy in India. The foremost condition for democracy, in Ambedkar’s opinion, is equality in society as equality is the foundation stone where the notions of liberty and fraternity develop. He remarked that equality is the original notion and respect for human personality is a reflection of it. If equality is denied, everything else may be taken to be