Abhijay Srekanth- Week 8


Symbolism of Leaders
Symbols play an undisputable part in the politicization of the masses. The author references O’Birens work on identifying the efficacy Gandhi’s use of Hindu symbols in uniting the lower-class Hindu masses against the British. However, the use of symbols may alienate those unable to relate the symbols, as was the case with Muslim independence workers.
I find the paper’s analysis on how Ambedkar is symbolized in particular quite fascinating. Examining the popular Ambedkar statutes across India, a few key markers seem universal- his three piece suit, the pens in his front pocket and the constitution; his suit a challenge to the class that Dalits are conceived to belong to, the pen a marker of education and the constitution a marker of secular principles above all else.  However, the hindu right has time again attempted to co-opt dalit empowerment, by identifying Ambedkar as a “hindu”, by applying tilak, garlands and incense at celebrations. When not trying to co-opt him however, the upper-caste object to his clothes, claiming that the celebration of someone in “western-clothes” is not representation of the group being celebrated (as if all Dalits are poor and backward), and that his clothes are anti-India, as compared to that of Gandhi



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