Education – A Means for Social and Political Emancipation
Abstract
The primary topic of this study centres on the opinions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarding Education, as well as his unwavering belief in the fundamental concepts of education, unity, and struggle. According to Ambedkar, education is widely acknowledged as the most efficacious means of eliminating social oppression and enabling marginalized individuals to attain social progress, economic enhancement, and political emancipation. Education has been identified as a fundamental requirement for the process of society reconstruction, which is founded upon the values of equality and justice. After analyzing the development of education in Indian society, it became evident that access to education was restricted to those from higher castes, both during the rule of Peshwa in Maharashtra and in the earlier period of the British Raj. He promoted the idea of providing education to all individuals, irrespective of their caste and gender. The individual voiced their participation in the financial deliberation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring universal access to education. A method based on quid pro quo is not suitable for the education department.
Enhancing the affordability of education should be pursued using diverse strategies and to the fullest degree possible. He demonstrated significant engagement in the deliberation process about the Bombay University Act and the Primary Education Amendment Bill, providing his insights and viewpoints on the subject of educational reform. The researcher founded the People's Education Society and developed educational facilities in the cities of Bombay and Aurangabad. He continuously underscored to the government the imperative of guaranteeing equitable educational opportunities for all citizens, devoid of any manifestation of prejudice. Nevertheless, he suggested that it is imperative to provide males and girls with separate educational opportunities. The objective of this study is to examine the viewpoints of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar toward education, with a particular emphasis on the adoption of a standardized education system in India.