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The history of Indian freedom struggle against the British has been researched and written time and again. It continues to be an enriching subject, various aspects of this intriguing piece of history is being analysed from various viewpoints including more contemporary ones like that of post colonialism and feminism. The role of national leadership in the independence struggle is an interesting subject and volumes of work continue to been written on their role and contributions. Perhaps the most enamouring leadership in India's anti-colonial movement is that of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He is always respected as a charismatic leader whose novel way of non-violence enchanted the whole world. All revere him as the Father of the Indian Nation. Indians are grateful to him for his relentless efforts to not only free the country but also build a nation. However there are quite a few serious issues regarding the Mahatma's ability to weave together the various components of the Indian society into one nationalist fabric. Inspite of his untiring efforts to coalesce various Indian communities across social divisions like religion and castes, it was not an easy process after all.
Bhimrao Ambedkar for one was a person who was a constant challenge to all that the great Mahatma envisioned of Indian nationhood. A brilliant scholar and an outstanding politician, Ambedkar as the leader of the hapless "Untouchables", chose to keep his people apart from Mahatma's effort at nation building. There have been serious differences between Gandhi and Ambedkar on the question of political reforms and social reforms for although they both believed in the uplift of the socially downtrodden, they differed on the means and the methods. It is necessary to look at how Ambedkar as a mentor of the Untouchables of India challenged Gandhi's image as a Father of this country. In order to do so, it will be wise to have a re-look at the differences of opinions between these two personalities. The title of this work, as it would suggest, will focus on political differences only although their views on social emancipation of the lowest caste of the Indian society was equally an issue of a vibrant debate between the two men. The first part of the article will look at the personal...