Maitrey Singh - Week 8

Summary 8/10
Maitrey Singh
Learning the Use of Symbolic Means: Dalits, Ambedkar Statues and the State in Uttar Pradesh

This article is written by a French national, who as anthropologist in Paris and his work mainly focuses on Dalit emancipation and he did his PhD research on the same in Uttar Pradesh. The introduction was essential to understand the deep rooted knowledge of the writer about the situations of Dalits in India. The Article focuses on the importance of Dr. Ambedkar’s Statues and what message do they impart and how are they sometimes understood under the light of criticism. 
Dr. Ambedkar was always against the idea of having a statue of his own, but BSP Leader Mayawati going against his wishes erected a statue in Uttar Pradesh. The statue signified the three important elements which Ambedkar thought are very necessary for the Dalits to achieve equality in the society, which are, Education, Organisation and Struggle. A lot of people who were against the ideologies of Ambedkar criticised the apparel of the statues for bringing western ideologies to India as the outfit consisted of a suit and a tie. Dalits themselves had their own individual interpretation of the statues. Some considered them as a mark for struggle which Dr. Ambedkar did for the Dalit community, while some saw it as a symbol of hope and a better future. The Article has talked immensely about the history behind these statues even including the pecuniary aspects of it. Dr. Ambedkar’s statues have a different meaning for every part of the society and individuals and gaining a better idea behind them through this article helps in clearing the lens to build a more informed opinion on these statues all around the country.  

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