Synthesising the Gandhi–Ambedkar–Narayanaguru–Marx Visions for Dalit Liberation*

Abstract

This article suggests how the Gandhi–Ambedkar–Narayanaguru–Marx visions can be synthesised in support of the movement for the liberation and empowerment of India’s dalits. It brings out the beginnings and evolution of Gandhji’s sensitivity and opposition to ‘untouchability’. His perception of ‘untouchability’ was initially limited to ‘touch-me-not-ism’, but deepened after his contact with Narayanaguru and Narayanaguru-inspired movements and, most crucially, his contact and encounters with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The article traces the Gandhiji–Babasaheb divergences, the Yeravda convergence and their other interesting convergences, and the unfortunate post-Yeravda re-emergence of divergence. These divergences have been effectively resolved in the Constitution adopting the Ambedkarite approach of dalit development and empowerment. The stage has arrived when, instead of dwelling on past antagonisms, it will be productive to synthesise and utilise the visions of these two titans as well as Narayanaguru and Marx in understanding and furthering the supremely important project of liberating and empowering the oppressed masses of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Backward Classes (BCs) through specific and comprehensive economic, educational, social and protective programmes; a dalit-centred human rights project; and sensitisation and mobilisation of dalit and non-dalit civil society.