India's journey to independence and its evolution as a modern democratic republic was shaped by the vision and efforts of towering leaders. Among them, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar stand out as three pivotal figures who, despite their diverse ideologies and methods, contributed significantly to India's freedom struggle and the foundations of its modern identity. These leaders shared common goals: Eradicating social evils like untouchability, establishing equality, and pursuing freedom. However, their methods and ultimate visions for India were distinct. Notably, all three were lawyers who studied law abroad and came from humble beginnings.
V.D. Savarkar
Savarkar was a lawyer by profession but primarily identified as a revolutionary. He believed in armed resistance against British rule and inspired countless others to join the freedom struggle. Savarkar envisioned a united India rooted in the cultural and civilisational ethos of Hinduism, which he termed Hindu Rashtra. He championed a common identity for all Indians, irrespective of caste, and strongly opposed untouchability, advocating for a casteless Hindu society. His idea of equality was centred on cultural unity rather than economic or political ideologies. Savarkar combined intellectual advocacy for Hindutva with practical efforts to organise a united Hindu society.
Mahatma Gandhi
Trained as a barrister in London, Gandhi used his legal acumen and moral philosophy to lead India's freedom struggle through non-violent means. Gandhi's vision for India was Ramrajya—a society based on justice, equality, and self-sufficiency, where everyone's needs were met harmoniously. He emphasised reforming Indian society from within, focusing on eradicating untouchability and promoting village-centric economic models. For Gandhi, equality meant balancing spiritual and material well-being, and treating every individual with dignity. His methods, including Satyagraha (force of truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence), relied on moral persuasion and mass movements such as the Salt March and the Quit India Movement.
B.R. Ambedkar
A brilliant lawyer and economist, Ambedkar dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and uplifting marginalised communities. His ultimate goal was a casteless and classless society where all citizens were equal before the law and had access to opportunities. Unlike Gandhi, Ambedkar sought legal and constitutional solutions to abolish untouchability and empower Dalits. As the chief architect of India's Constitution, he enshrined principles of equality, secularism, and democracy. Ambedkar believed political and legal reforms were essential for social transformation, relying on constitutional means, legislative advocacy, and education while rejecting both violent revolution and passive resistance.
Converging Visions
Despite their differing ideologies and methods, Savarkar, Gandhi, and Ambedkar converged on several critical issues that became the ethos of post-independent India.
- Against Untouchability: All three leaders opposed untouchability and caste-based discrimination. Savarkar viewed it as a barrier to Hindu unity, Gandhi approached it as a moral and spiritual issue, and Ambedkar sought its abolition through legal frameworks.
- Equality and Justice: Each envisioned an egalitarian society. Gandhi's Ramrajya, Savarkar's Hindu Rashtra, and Ambedkar's vision of social democracy emphasised justice and equality, albeit through different lenses.
- Freedom Struggle: The trio played vital roles in India's fight for independence, though their approaches varied. Gandhi championed non-violence, Ambedkar relied on legal reforms, and Savarkar supported armed resistance. While Savarkar's Hindu Rashtra emphasized cultural unity, Gandhi's Ramrajya was inclusive of all religions. Ambedkar rejected caste-based Hinduism altogether, eventually embracing Buddhism as a means of emancipation.
Together, Savarkar, Gandhi, and Ambedkar offered diverse paths toward the shared goal of an independent and prosperous India. Their ideologies and methods—though divergent—helped shape Indian identity as a constitutional democracy aspiring for equality, justice, and harmony. These visionaries exemplify the multi-faceted approach required to address the complex challenges of a diverse and ancient civilisation transitioning into a modern nation-state.
(Rajiv Tuli is an independent commentator and author)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
