How did B R Ambedkar reinterpret Buddhism, and why did he see it as a path towards a more equal society? What did he challenge in traditional Buddhist practices, and how does his vision of Buddhism go beyond individual spirituality to questions of social justice, rationality and collective liberation?
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In the third episode of Seeking Sangha, a special focus series on What’s Your ISM?, The News Minute Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal speaks to scholar YS Alone about Ambedkar’s radical interpretation of Buddhism.
They discuss how Ambedkar challenged dominant readings of Buddhist philosophy, questioned ritualistic practices and drew on the Buddha’s emphasis on knowledge and rationality to formulate an alternative to caste hierarchy.
They also explore Alone’s concept of “protected ignorance” and how knowledge production can be used to conceal ignorance and preserve social hierarchies.
From Ambedkar’s vision of Prabuddha Bharat (Enlightened India) to the role of the Buddhist Sangha, the conversation examines why Buddhism, for Ambedkar, was not merely a path to personal peace but a philosophy rooted in social transformation, equality and justice.
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Camera and Editing: Ajay R, Producer: Akshay Lal
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