Acharya Prashant discusses the legacy of Shri Babasaheb Ambedkar, emphasizing his role as a champion of social justice who utilized constitutional and legal methods to combat deep-rooted social injustice. He contrasts Shri Ambedkar's approach with that of Mahatma Gandhi, noting that while Gandhi ji focused on moral and ethical reform through concepts like truth and non-violence, Shri Ambedkar recognized the need for institutional safeguards and legal measures. Shri Ambedkar's methods were revolutionary because he understood the practical realities of oppression and eventually advocated for leaving a religious framework that seemed incapable of structural reform. Acharya Prashant asserts that while legal and constitutional measures are necessary and have led to significant progress in human development indicators, they are not sufficient to completely eradicate the internal sense of inequality and division. He explains that the root of social injustice often lies in distorted religious interpretations and traditions that justify discrimination. Acharya Prashant defines true religion not as a set of rituals or social customs, but as a means to address the eternal restlessness and fundamental questions of human existence, such as 'Who am I?' and 'How should I live?'. He argues that many practices labeled as religion are actually bundles of rituals and beliefs that change over time and often serve narrow interests. To truly achieve social justice, one must challenge these superstitions and the 'clutter' that has buried the essential spiritual truths. He describes Shri Ambedkar as a deeply religious personality in this sense, because he dared to ask fundamental questions and seek truth rather than blindly following ancient traditions. Acharya Prashant further explores the internal conflict within humans between their primitive biological instincts—focused on survival, eating, and sleeping—and their consciousness, which seeks truth and higher meaning. He posits that true religiosity is characterized by inquiry, curiosity, and the courage to question established norms. He warns that even with economic and political progress, if individuals continue to live based on past social or biological conditioning without self-awareness, the underlying sense of separation and conflict will remain. He concludes that the journey toward total equality is incomplete until individuals undergo an internal transformation, moving away from identification with caste or past weights and toward a life guided by wisdom and self-knowledge.
