Q : Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches  and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.

Introduction:

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar both worked for the upliftment of the marginalized and oppressed sections of Indian society. While their approaches, ideologies, and strategies differed, their ultimate goal of ameliorating the downtrodden and ensuring social justice remained common.

Main Body

Differences and Common Goal

Aspect	Mahatma Gandhi	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar	Common Goal
Ideology	Believed in moral persuasion, non-violence, and reform from within the Hindu social framework	Advocated legal, political, and structural reforms to dismantle caste discrimination	Social upliftment of marginalized and oppressed communities
Approach to Social Reform	Encouraged voluntary reform, constructive work, and social integration, e.g., Harijan movement	Focused on constitutional safeguards, legislative reforms, and legal equality, e.g., Poona Pact, drafting of Constitution	Ensuring dignity, rights, and opportunities for the downtrodden
Method	Ethical and spiritual appeal, non-violent campaigns, dialogue with upper-caste Hindus	Political mobilization, legal activism, education, and advocacy for separate electorates initially	Empowerment of socially disadvantaged communities
View on Caste	Sought eradication of untouchability while preserving varna system with moral reform	Advocated complete annihilation of caste and structural equality	Ending social discrimination and promoting equality
Major Contribution	Inclusion of Harijans in mainstream society, upliftment through social campaigns	Constitutional provisions for reservation, legal protection, and political representation	Amelioration of the downtrodden and socially marginalized
Strategy	Reform from societal conscience and moral awakening	Reform through legal, political, and structural means	Creating a more just and equitable society

Conclusion:

Despite divergent methods—Gandhi emphasizing moral persuasion and social integration, Ambedkar emphasizing legal and political reform—both leaders shared a common vision of uplifting the downtrodden. Their combined efforts laid the foundation for social justice, equality, and empowerment in modern India.