For An Informed Ambedkar Age
Rahul Sonpimple The post-Ambedkar Dalit discourse can be broadly outlined through three key developments in the Dalit movement: 1) the struggle for constitutional rights, 2) the mission for political autonomy, and 3) the quest for alternative culture through Ambedkar’s Buddhism. While mainstream Dalit politics has largely remained fragmented, there is noticeable strengthening in both non-political …
Vruttant Manwatkar “Religion emphasizes, universalizes social values and brings them to the mind of the individual who is required to recognize them in all his acts in order that he may function as an approved member of the society. But the purpose of religion is more than this. It spiritualizes them.[1]” – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar …
Rahul Sonpimple In my Ph.D. fieldwork in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, I encountered two contrasting assertions regarding the role of Buddhism in the everyday lives of Dalits. The first assertion, claiming “Buddha is our god; Babasaheb gave us, we are not Hindus,” was prevalent among poor and illiterate Dalits in slums and villages. The …
Funding Request Dear All, Jai Bhim! We represent the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA), dedicated to advancing social justice and empowerment for Dalits. Guided by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy, we strive to create a more inclusive society. Despite political reservation, Dalit conditions remain challenging. To address this, we aim to establish a national …
Rahul Sonpimple Charisma is elusive yet the most common term to define leadership. Charismatic leadership is usually perceived as essential and assenting, specifically in politics. However, the history of charismatic leadership may not allow one to continue with such romanticism. Nazism led by Hitler and Italian Fascism led by Mussolini are the two most discussed …
Rahul Sonpimple “The emancipation of the working classes must be conquered by the working classes themselves” Marx wrote in 1864 as the first principle of the self-emancipation of the proletariat. He was convinced, however, Indian upper caste Marxists are still not. When Ambedkar pushed for the Poona Pact in 1932, demanding separate electorates for …
Rahul Sonpimple I was told that I couldn’t rent the bicycle that day. All entries to our basti (slum) were blocked by the police. I was eighteen then. I insisted, but Namdeo, the cycle wala (shop owner), didn’t even bother to look at me and hurriedly shut the shop. With all his ferocity and …
Rahul Sonpimple (This is the text of his speech on the theme ‘Undoing the Dominant Narrative’ delivered at the SIO national conference on February 23rd, 2018. It was transcribed by Sumeet Samos) Jai Bhim to all the participants, friends, elders, women and student representatives on behalf of my organization BAPSA. Tonight, I speak here not …
Round Table India In this episode of the Ambedkar Age, Round Table India talks to Rahul Sonpimple, leader of BAPSA (Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association), an active political platform of Bahujan students. In the interview, Rahul shares his experiences & views on a variety of subjects–from his childhood in a Nagpur slum, his early …