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Question

Who among the following stated in the Constituent Assembly that on 26th January 1950, India was going to enter a life of contradictions?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Understanding India's Contradictions on Republic Day 1950

The question asks about a significant statement made in the Constituent Assembly regarding India entering a "life of contradictions" on January 26, 1950. This date marks the enforcement of the Constitution and the birth of the Republic of India. The statement highlights a critical tension that would exist in the newly formed nation.

The individual who famously made this observation in his final speech to the Constituent Assembly was Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's Famous Quote on Contradictions

In his speech on November 25, 1949, which looked ahead to January 26, 1950, Dr. Ambedkar pointed out the stark contrast between the political future India was entering and its social and economic reality. He described this as a "life of contradictions".

The contradiction lay in:

  • Political Sphere: India would have equality, with each person having one vote and each vote having one value.
  • Social and Economic Life: There would still be inequality, with social and economic structures perpetuating disparities.

He warned that if these contradictions were not resolved quickly, those suffering from inequality would blow up the structure of political democracy.

Significance of the Statement

Dr. Ambedkar's statement was a powerful reminder that political freedom and equality guaranteed by the Constitution were not enough. True democracy and national unity required addressing the deep-rooted social and economic inequalities that plagued Indian society.

Analyzing the Options

Let's briefly look at why other options are not correct in this context:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru: A key leader and the first Prime Minister, Nehru made many significant speeches, but this specific quote about "life of contradictions" concerning political vs. social/economic life on Jan 26, 1950, in the Constituent Assembly is attributed to Dr. Ambedkar.
  • Mahatma Gandhi: While a profound thinker on India's social issues, Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, before the final stages of the Constitution's drafting and adoption, and was not a member of the Constituent Assembly during this period.
  • S. P. Mukherjee: Syama Prasad Mukherjee was also a member of the Constituent Assembly and a prominent figure, but the famous "life of contradictions" quote is not associated with him.

Therefore, based on historical records and the context of the Constituent Assembly debates, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar made the statement about India entering a life of contradictions on January 26, 1950.

Topic Key Statement Person
India entering life of contradictions on 26th Jan 1950 "In politics we will have equality and in social and economic life we will have inequality." Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Revision Table: Key Points on Constituent Assembly Statement

Aspect Detail
Statement Maker Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Date Referenced January 26, 1950 (Republic Day)
Venue Constituent Assembly of India
Core Idea Contradiction between political equality and social/economic inequality in India.
Warning Ignoring social/economic inequality could endanger political democracy.

Additional Information: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and the Constitution

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is widely regarded as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly. His role was crucial in shaping the fundamental rights, directive principles, and the overall structure of the Constitution.

His speeches in the Constituent Assembly were not just about drafting the legal document but also reflected deep insights into the social, economic, and political challenges independent India would face. The "life of contradictions" speech is a testament to his foresight and concern for the equitable development of the nation.

The Constituent Assembly worked from 1946 to 1949 to draft the Constitution, which was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.

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