DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR: A PIONEER OF PROGRESSIVE ECONOMIC IDEALS IN MODERN INDIA

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, widely revered as the architect of the Indian Constitution, was also a visionary economist whose progressive ideals laid the groundwork for inclusive development in modern India. This paper explores Ambedkar’s economic philosophy, drawing from his academic training and his deep understanding of India’s socio-economic structure. It examines his contributions to labour rights, land reform, public finance, and industrialization, emphasizing how he intertwined economic policy with social justice. By contextualizing his ideas within colonial and postcolonial economic thought, the paper highlights Ambedkar's enduring relevance in addressing contemporary challenges such as inequality, unemployment, and caste-based exclusion. Ultimately, this study repositions Ambedkar not just as a social reformer, but as a pioneering economic thinker whose vision continues to influence India’s path toward equitable growth.