Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them.
B. R. AmbedkarRead
No Hindu community, however low, will touch cow's flesh. On the other hand, there is no community which is really an Untouchable community which has not something to do with the dead cow. Some eat her flesh, some remove the skin, some manufacture articles out of her skin and bones.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the complex relationship between communities and the taboo surrounding cows in Hindu society.
B. R. Ambedkar's quote addresses the deep-seated social structures within Hindu communities, emphasizing that even the so-called 'Untouchables' engage with the dead cow in various ways, contradicting the notion of their complete separation from the higher status castes. It reveals the irony of social discrimination, as every group, regardless of their perceived purity or status, is connected to the life cycles of cows, thus questioning the foundations of caste-based untouchability.
Themes
CasteUntouchableSocietyHinduismDiscrimination
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the caste system in India, this quote can be used to illustrate the paradox of untouchability.
More from B. R. Ambedkar
All quotes →Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government.
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I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity.
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Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men.
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So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you.
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Law and Order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.
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