Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar: Same and Different Thoughts


Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar were two prominent leaders who played crucial roles in shaping the social and political landscape of India during the 20th century. While both shared a common goal of social justice and equality, they had distinct ideologies and approaches towards achieving their objectives. This article aims to compare and contrast the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar in a tabular format, highlighting their similarities and differences.


1. Fight against social discrimination:
- Both Gandhi and Ambedkar fought against social discrimination prevalent in Indian society, particularly the caste system.
- They believed in the liberation of the oppressed and worked towards eradicating caste-based inequalities.

2. Advocacy for Dalit rights:
- Both leaders were vocal advocates for the rights and upliftment of Dalits (formerly known as untouchables).
- They emphasized the need for social reforms and equal opportunities for all sections of society.

3. Opposition to untouchability:
- Gandhi and Ambedkar vehemently opposed the practice of untouchability and worked towards its abolition.
- They aimed to integrate Dalits into mainstream society and eliminate the stigma associated with untouchability.


1. Approach towards social change:
- Gandhi believed in non-violent resistance and peaceful methods to bring about social change.
- Ambedkar, on the other hand, believed in the necessity of political and legal action to secure the rights of marginalized communities.

2. Views on caste system:
- While Gandhi recognized the evils of the caste system, he believed in the possibility of its reform from within.
- Ambedkar, however, considered the caste system to be inherently oppressive and called for its complete annihilation.

3. Religious beliefs:
- Gandhi was deeply influenced by his Hindu faith and incorporated spiritual principles into his political ideology.
- Ambedkar, on the other hand, was critical of Hinduism and eventually converted to Buddhism, viewing it as a path towards social equality.

4. Political ideologies:
- Gandhi was a proponent of decentralized, village-based economies and envisioned a society based on self-sufficiency and simple living.
- Ambedkar, on the other hand, advocated for a more centralized and industrialized economy, believing that economic progress was crucial for social upliftment.


In conclusion, while both Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar fought for social justice and equality, they had different approaches and perspectives towards achieving these goals. Gandhi emphasized non-violence and spiritual principles, while Ambedkar focused on political and legal action. Their differing views on the caste system, religious beliefs, and economic ideologies further highlight the nuances of their thoughts. However, despite these differences, both leaders made significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle and continue to inspire generations in the pursuit of social equality and justice.