Tainted legacy

April 14th, 1891 saw the birth of a phenomenal social reformer, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, born Bhimrao Ramji Sakpal in the town of Mhow. A person who was condemned to live the life of an untouchable, for the sole reason of being born in a ‘mahar’ household. But this bespectacled and brilliant man not only defied social ethos and rose in society, he also paved the way for giving a new lease to life to millions of his kind who were shunned by society. His actions have been hailed by some and despised by others. Though what he stood for is beyond the lowliness of debate. Babasaheb Ambedkar has become a classic example of greatness misused for petty purposes of today’s politicians. Flowing with the tide is the general expectation of a man, but going against the tide for what is right is the true test of a man. It is the fundamental right of any individual to safeguard his integrity, which sadly was not respected in the society Dr.Ambedkar was born into. Imagine not being allowed to drink water from a common tap, not being allowed to sit in the same class as your batch mates, or for that matter imagine not being addressed to while in class. Dr.Ambedkar faced this and much more. He brought about the necessary change in society and has etched himself in the time-line. It is not surprising then, that Dr.Ambedkar refused to suffocate in the religion that was responsible for his misery and converted to Buddhism. Along with him, so did 5,00,000 supporters of his. His fight for the oppressed has given him a legendary status amongst the people he helped prosper. But are his mottos still remembered? Dr.Ambedkar today has become an icon of dalit power. His name adorns various institutions. A great pride for any person. But the misuse of his mottos has also become legendary. The caste system is something every Indian considers shameful today. Modern India has washed the dark stain. Yet, we have people who drag us back in time by using the word ‘caste’. Reservation by way of caste has become the most annoying factor for most qualified persons. The deserving are held back due to the pettiness of a few myopic people. Is this what Dr.Ambedkar dreamt of? Dr.Ambedkar's political philosophy has given rise to a large number of Dalit political parties, publications and workers' unions that remain active across India. This was necessary no doubt, but only for a given time. With the passage of time these elements have become the viscous force affecting India’s progress. Reservations in terms of economical background are necessary, but not on terms of caste. The age where the son of a butcher remains a butcher are long gone. The rise of a man must be due to his own effort, Dr.Ambedkar is not a shoulder to be clambered upon. Our constitution had the clause which stated reservation as a temporary measure. The father of our constitution wanted to empower the downtrodden, not transform them into a bunch of creamy layered and favor demanding vegetables. The words may be harsh, but even the people we speak off here will agree with these words. Knowledge and skill cannot be made a mockery of for the purpose of a vote bank. The sooner this is realized the better. Only then can we call our future truly bright.