Bollywood actor Jahnvi Kapoor has expressed her keen interest in witnessing a debate between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, two prominent figures in Indian history who held contrasting views on the caste system and social equality.
In an interview, Kapoor revealed her curiosity about how the ideologies of Gandhi and Ambedkar influenced and evolved in tandem. She stated, “Debate between what they stand for and how Ambedkar Saheb’s and Gandhi Saheb’s views changed on a particular topic. They both have helped a lot in our society. I want to know how they feel about each other, and I think it would be a very interesting discourse.”
Kapoor further elaborated on her fascination with the topic, noting the significance of understanding the different perspectives on caste and its impact on society. She emphasized that examining the views of Gandhi and Ambedkar would offer valuable insights into the complexities of the Indian social structure.
Gandhi, a proponent of varnashrama dharma, believed in the upliftment of Dalits through moral persuasion and social reform within the framework of traditional Hindu society. He advocated for eradicating untouchability through self-purification and personal transformation. In contrast, Ambedkar, a staunch critic of caste-based discrimination and oppression, rejected Gandhi’s approach as ineffective and insufficient.
Ambedkar argued for the annihilation of caste, advocating for radical social and political reforms to dismantle the hierarchical caste system. He emphasized the need for constitutional safeguards and affirmative action measures, including reservations for Dalits, to ensure their social, political, and economic empowerment.
The Gandhi-Ambedkar debate continues to be a topic of significant interest and academic discourse in India, as it sheds light on the complex history and ongoing challenges related to caste and social equality in the country.
