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Ambedkar and Buddhism, Annihilation of Caste cover art

Ambedkar and Buddhism, Annihilation of Caste

Written by: Urgyen Sangharakshita, Dr B. R. Ambedkar
Narrated by: Ratnadhya, Sagar Arya
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Publisher's Summary

Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was one of the most remarkable figures in the 20th century. Born an Untouchable - the lowest element of Indian society deemed to be outside the caste system, and literally 'untouchable' - he rose from abject village poverty to become the architect of the new Constitution of India following its independence from Britain in 1947.

A combination of exceptional talent, hard work and determination, vision and luck took him to Harvard and the LSE, and then back to his home country. Always, his progress was impelled by the concern for his 'Untouchable' community and it was this that underpinned work in law, politics and economics as he rapidly became a national figure who could not be ignored. He opposed Gandhi's patronising attitude towards the Untouchable community, and the violent crimes and prejudice inflicted upon it by the caste Hindu society.

In the 1930s, Ambedkar proclaimed that though he was born a Hindu, he would not die a Hindu; and on 14th October 1956, with 400,000 followers, he converted to Buddhism in a mass meeting in Nagpur. This biography is by the British-born Buddhist monk Urgyen Sangharakshita who knew Ambedkar and spent decades working with the Dalit community as the Untouchables became known.

It is a clear but affectionate look at a singular life which changed one of the largest nations on earth, and charts Ambedkar's gradual move towards Buddhism which he saw as the best path for his people.

Bonus material: in addition to the biography is Annihilation of Caste, Ambedkar's key speech - never delivered but published in 1936 - in which he set out the reality of 'Untouchable' life and the need for change, but it is at the same time an international clarion call for human rights. It is all the more poignant as, while Untouchability is outlawed in India now thanks to Dr Ambedkar's legislation, there are 200 million Dalits in India, and violence and prejudice is still commonplace.

©1986 Sangharakshita (P)2016 Ukemi Productions Ltd

What listeners say about Ambedkar and Buddhism, Annihilation of Caste

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A must-read for every Indian..

it's an obligation for every Indian to read this book before he calls himself one. Ambedkar passionately and incisively confronts the duplicity and injustice of the caste system that continues to threaten our society. so much injustice has been meted out to so many in the name of caste being the core principle of Hinduism. it's heart-rending to say the least.

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8 people found this helpful

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Poor Anglicised Narration Choice

I was really looking forward to this one. And it had been in my wishlist for a long time. Finally started yesterday and really dislike the narration so far. Why did the producers choose an American accent is beyond me. Words like Dharma, Baudha ... are pronounced like daama , boda ... sounds very weird and is seriously off putting to hear the narration about our nations's greatest men (one of) with such oration.

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must read for all Indians esply the young generati

though narration was a turnoff due to the accent the book was great. For younger generations this would definately be a good food for thought.

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Must listen for every Indians

Very captivating narration. Thoroughly enlightening and eye opener. What a great thinker and leader Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Kudos to author for bringing
out many facet and facts of Babasaheb.

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loved it

I loved the narration and the beautiful stitching of words. It was an incredible experience.

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THANKS.

A must listen audio book for all who are connected with India in any way.

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A work of great scholarship, and great bravery

Annihilation of Caste is a. This undelivered speech may well be regarded as one of the most important documents ever written for advancement of human rights, and should be a must-read for not just every Hindu or every Indian, but for people everywhere for them to gain a better understanding of the history of division in society and the herculean but not insurmountable effort needed for restructuring it.

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Learnt so much. Must read for everyone!

You'll get to know so much about Ambedkar that is not generally known.
Everyone who is interested in Indian history should read it.
We know him only for the constitution, and it's a shame that it is just a drop in the ocean.

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Great documentation of a noble life

Must read by any who believe in equality. This book can be considered the best version of Ambedkars biography. The evil of Caste and its implications are hilighted with subtelty.

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