Ambedkar Was A Hindu Nationalist... Waiting To Be Rediscovered

Why Hindutva Embraces Ambedkar

Dear Reader,

Did you know Dr. Ambedkar supported making saffron flag the national flag of India?

Terming Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as a Hindu nationalist would be the ultimate blasphemy for ‘seculars’ as well as some 'Hindutvavaadis'. But if there is an ideology that can resonate with Dr. Ambedkar’s mindscape it is Hindutva.

In keeping with our Saturday ritual, we're back with our latest weekend magazine — Why Hindutva Embraces Ambedkar

What's inside this edition isn't new. It's 12 years old. From 2012!

RIGHT! Swarajya (or CRI, as it was called then) was discussing Dr. Ambedkar's compatibility with the Hindutva movement, icons, and ideals long before it was in vogue to discuss it.

Today, while the opposing political forces, BJP and Congress, are tussling for the ownership of Babasaheb's legacy, there's an internal debate going on within the Hindutva ecosystem over his place in Hindu movements.

Sadly, the debate is largely superficial, burdened with preconceived notions, and cacophonous.

Because a sincere and silent study of the man makes it clear how he was more than just his 'caste' and 'constitution'.

Aravindan Neelakandan's 6-part series called 'Bodhi Sattva's Hindutva' is one such sincere scholarship on the same. Written in 2012, but deserves to be read now and whenever doubts emerge about Ambedkar's place within the Hindutva fold.

Again, all that is required is a level-headed and non-prejudiced study of the evolving thoughts of Ramji Ambedkar's son.

The choice, of course, is yours:

• Thought-inducing Swarajya: which brings you well-researched and scholarly content that helps you with nuanced understanding beyond zero-sum wars and judgments, or

• Testosterone-inducing social media brawls: filled with rage, clickbait-y desperation, and black-n-white decrees of rejecting or coopting.

You must read this series for Ambedkar's views on Savarkarite strand of Hindu Nationalism. It'll definitely surprise you. His views on decolonisation of Hindu society will surprise you. They shouldn't but they will.

Do consider supporting Swarajya, if you think we're adding value to the debate and not fuel to the fire. Click here to subscribe and join us - 33% OFF now.

Once again, click here for our latest weekend edition, here for the Bodhi Satva's Hindutva series, and here for Aravindan's latest — 'Do Hindu Movements Need Dr. Ambedkar'.

Hope this weekend-read makes it worth your while.

- Anmol N Jain