Blog by Harsh Pargat: Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for empowerment through education

With a deep commitment to uplift the marginalized, he founded the People’s Education Society in Bombay and Aurangabad with the objective of providing educational opportunities to Dalit students.

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His relentless dedication to education was evident through his inspiring lectures, scholarly articles, and contributions to academic institutions.

Dr. Ambedkar viewed education not merely as a means of personal advancement, but as a powerful tool for social, economic, and political upliftment. He believed that every educational institution must serve as a catalyst for social change.

His educational philosophy was grounded in the principles of liberty, equality, fraternity, justice, and the development of moral character among students—irrespective of their religion, region, class, or caste.

Dr. Ambedkar emphasized that true learning goes beyond academic excellence. He insisted that education should foster critical thinking, creativity, logical reasoning, confident self-expression, and a strong sense of justice.

As a teacher himself, Dr. Ambedkar brought creativity and insight to the process of learning. He considered education an ongoing journey, with the teacher playing a central role.

For him, a teacher’s ability to inspire, their depth of knowledge, and their commitment to building self-reliance were vital to the success of education and, by extension, the nation. He often described the teacher as a nation builder, highlighting the immense responsibility carried by educators.

Dr. Ambedkar once stated:

"To be cultured, knowledgeable, and an educationist is entirely different from achieving good marks in examinations or simply earning a degree."

He urged educators to recognize and address the gaps in their students’ learning—particularly their lack of conceptual clarity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

Ambedkar’s Commandments: Educate, Agitate, and Organize

For Dr. Ambedkar, education was not the end, but the beginning of an awakened, empowered life. He famously urged the oppressed to “Educate, Agitate, and Organize.”

Educate: Education sharpens the human mind, enabling individuals to think critically and act rationally. It allows knowledge to be acquired, processed, and shared, forming the foundation of a just and aware society.

Agitate: Ambedkar’s concept of agitation was not about violence, but mental revolution. He encouraged individuals to question injustice, challenge outdated social norms, and reimagine a more equitable society.

Organize: With awareness and courage gained through education and agitation, individuals can unite for a common cause. Ambedkar believed that only through unity could people become a collective force against exploitation and inequality.

In essence, Dr. Ambedkar envisioned education as the key to liberation, empowerment, and nation-building. His legacy continues to inspire generations to use knowledge as a tool for transformation and justice.