Ambedkar and Gandhi: what about the Caste System?
Gandhi gazes at Ambedkar during Asmita’s performance of Rajesh Kumar’s new play, Ambedkar aur Gandhi.
Ambedkar broke a glass ceiling as a dalit completing higher studies and designing the Indian Constitution. He fought the social discrimination of the Caste System.
Kumar’s play recreates the disagreement between Ambedkar and Gandhi on how to resolve the inequalities of the Caste System.
Ambedkar wanted a separate electorate and political identity for untouchables but Gandhi feared dividing society. Ambedkar was forced to drop his demand by Gandhi’s fast unto death, fearing retribution against untouchables if Gandhi died.
Gandhi referred to untouchables as Harijans (Children of God) but Ambedkar found the term condescending and meaningless.
Ambedkar criticized India’s political parties for not eliminating the caste system and for not uplifting untouchables to full equality.
At the end of the play, after Gandhi dies, Ambedkar concludes, “I had differences with Mr. Gandhi on socio-political issues but we were continuing to debate them. He left the debate forever and I’m sad about that.”
In a post-presentation discussion between audience and director, someone asked, “how many of the actors are dalits?.” “We have no dalits in our cast,” the director replied, “only human beings”. The audience applauded.
Dear Phil,
I love to read your blog and find myself coming back every week to see if you have anything new to say …and you do say new things…:D..I loved this particular one. I would love to go for these sort of plays and music concerts. Would you mind telling how i could get information on these here in Delhi.
Thankyou so much.
Mythili
Thanks, Mythili! My favorite site for info on cultural events is delhievents.com and the venue I’ve visited the most is the India Habitat Centre on Lodhi Road, but the India International Centre is also fantastic and is just a block away from the IHC
Phil, so wonderful to see you continuing to set your mind on whatever is good, noble, virtuous…. I have always loved the ability you have to enjoy the smile of a peasant child in the Nepali terai and chat animatedly with vendours and mendicants of all stripes – while also being able to nibble and dine with those who are privileged to follow thought and beauty in the arts. Thanks for taking us along on your journeys around Delhi. Would love to host you here in Thane – and know that you would unearth a trove of local cultural glory here as well!
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Andi. I would love to visit you and Sheba in Thane again.