Unveiling India's Complex Legacy: A Fresh Look at Gandhi and Ambedkar

Doctor and The Saint, The

Doctor and The Saint, The

In this compelling and intellectually stimulating exploration, Arundhati Roy embarks on an intricate journey through the labyrinthine social and political dynamics of India, questioning entrenched beliefs surrounding two of the country’s most pivotal icons: M.K. Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. Roy’s sharp and astute analysis unveils the frequently neglected dissonances that exist between Gandhi’s venerated public image and Ambedkar’s radical notions of caste egalitarianism. The narrative posits that a profound comprehension of the current disparities in India mandates a thorough reevaluation of Gandhi's political evolution alongside the deliberate overshadowing of Ambedkar’s visionary reforms by the nation’s ruling classes. Illuminating how policies that favor caste hierarchy have stymied Ambedkar’s quest for justice, Roy intricately weaves Ambedkar’s compelling arguments within the backdrop of his extended dialogues with Gandhi, providing readers with a rich, multifaceted understanding of the dynamic and often contentious relationship between these historical titans. This thought-provoking book not only offers a fresh lens through which to view India’s historical tapestry but also robustly asserts the enduring significance of Ambedkar’s intellectual contributions in the fight against contemporary societal inequalities on a global scale.

  • Author: Arundhati Roy
  • Publisher: Penguin (22 April 2019)
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • ISBN: 978-0143447726
  • Pages: 192 pages