Logo

Global Thought

How America’s Philosopher of Democracy Influenced India’s Leading Caste Reformer

Caste, Democracy and Buddhism

Bhimrao Ambedkar helped write the Indian Constitution, campaigned against caste oppression, and remains a household name for many in the country. His democratic vision combined the pragmatist ideas of the American philosopher John Dewey with his novel Navayana or “new vehicle” form of Buddhism.