The Father of the Nation: A Controversial Debate between Mr. Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

India, with its rich 5000-year-old history, does not have a single sovereign father of the nation. While Mahatma Gandhi is often referred to as such, he was born in 1869 and died in 1948, seeing only a brief portion of India's history. Gandhi's vision of India's independence did not fully align with the partition that took place in 1947, leading to criticism that his claim to the title is somewhat incongruent.

Why Mr. Gandhi?

The term 'Father of the Nation' was coined by a political party which Gandhi and the British, either directly or indirectly, supported. Interestingly, Gandhi would have lost the title if he had contested it. During the pre-Gandhi era, there were numerous figures who played crucial roles in Indian history, such as Chandragupta Maurya, Maharana Pratap, Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and many others. These individuals were true sons of India, each contributing greatly to the nation's rich tapestry.

Greats of the Era

During the same era as Gandhi, there were other notable figures who could have potentially been considered for the title of 'Father of the Nation'. These included Veer Savarkar, Dr. Ambedkar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, T. Prakasam, Subhas Chandra Bose, and many others. The term 'Father of the Nation' was a political label, and Mahatma Gandhi benefited from the support of his political allies and the British.

Challenges to India's Independence

While Gandhi is revered as a national hero, it is important to acknowledge that Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, often known as a champion of the untouchables, was against India's independence and supported the British rule. Ambedkar worked tirelessly to prevent India from gaining independence, yet he could not succeed against the strategic genius of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi's ability to outwit Ambedkar on this issue is a testament to his leadership skills.

Beyond the Title

Today, we can proudly say that Bharat (India) is no longer at the mercy of external invaders. With a centralized government and a strong centralized military, Bharat stands firm against any invasion. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, however, is a figure whose legacy has been shaped by posthumous recognition and caste-based politics. During his lifetime, Ambedkar's political party faced numerous electoral defeats, and his fame was not widespread.

It is thus intriguing to consider that the term 'Father of the Nation' is not as prestigious as being a 'Son of the Nation.' The true sons and daughters of India have left a lasting legacy, and it is their collective effort that continues to shape the nation.