ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s Social Philosophy: A Study of Caste, Dalits and Social Justice

Indian society has long been plagued by problems such as caste-based inequalities, untouchability, and social injustice. Against these social evils, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar waged a powerful struggle through his ideas, movements, and constitutional efforts. This research paper aims to provide a sociological analysis of Ambedkar's social thought, specifically clarifying his concept of social justice by understanding the condition of Dalits from a subaltern (marginalized) perspective. This study is descriptive and analytical in nature and is based on secondary sources. The research utilizes Ambedkar's major works, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches, sociological books, research articles, and government reports. Content analysis, thematic analysis, and historical and comparative methods have been employed for data analysis. The main themes of the study include caste annihilation, social justice, education and empowerment, and the subaltern perspective. The research reveals that Ambedkar considered the caste system to be the fundamental structure of social injustice and deemed its complete abolition essential for the establishment of social justice. He established Dalits not as objects of pity, but as rights-bearing citizens, and empowered them to become active agents of social change through his slogan, "Educate, Agitate, Organize." Ambedkar's concept of social justice is not limited to legal equality alone, but is based on respect, equal opportunities, and a life of dignity. The study concludes that Ambedkar's ideas remain highly relevant in contemporary Indian society due to the persistence of caste discrimination and social inequalities. The true establishment of social justice is possible not merely through laws, but through social consciousness, education, and structural transformation. Thus, Dr. Ambedkar's social thought provides a path towards an egalitarian, just, and humane direction for Indian society