Babasaheb Ambedkar, "Riddles in Hinduism" (Riddle#22):
"The Hindu Religious and Philosophic thought gave rise to an idea which had greater potentialities for producing social democracy than the idea of fraternity. It is the doctrine of Brahmaism […]. 1/n
The essence of Brahmaism is summed up in a dogma which is stated in three different forms. They are—(i) Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma—All this is Brahma. (ii) Aham Brahmasmi—Atmana (Self) is the same as Brahma. Therefore I am Brahma. 2/n
(iii) Tattvamasi—Atmana (Self) is the same as Brahma. Therefore thou art also Brahma. […]
The essence of Brahmaism is that the world is real and the reality behind the world is Brahma. Everything therefore is of the essence of Brahma. 3/n
It may well be that Brahma is unknowable. But all the same this theory of Brahma has certain social implications which have a tremendous value as a foundation for Democracy. 4/n
If all persons are parts of Brahma then all are equal and all must enjoy the same liberty which is what Democracy means. 5/n
Looked at from this point of view Brahma may be unknowable. But there cannot be slightest doubt that no doctrine could furnish a stronger foundation for Democracy than the doctrine of Brahma. 6/n
To support Democracy because we are all children of God is a very weak foundation for Democracy to rest on. That is why Democracy is so shaky wherever it made to rest on such a foundation. 7/n
But to recognize and realize that you and I are parts of the same cosmic principle leaves room for no other theory of associated life except democracy. It does not merely preach Democracy. It makes democracy an obligation of one and all. 8/n
Western students of Democracy have spread the belief that Democracy has stemmed either from Christianity or from Plato and that there is no other source of inspiration for democracy. 9/n
If they had known that India too had developed the doctrine of Brahmaism which furnishes a better foundation for Democracy they would not have been so dogmatic. India too must be admitted to have a contribution towards a theoretical foundation for Democracy. 10/10

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More from @KhalidAAnsari4

14 Apr
Remembering Maulana Ali Hussain "Asim Bihari" (15 April 1890-6 December 1953) on his birthday. Maulana Asim Bihari was one of the key members of the first wave of the Pasmanda-Muslim mobilizations in undivided India known as the Momin Movement (1913-1947). 1/n
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2. And (remember) when his Lord tried Abraham with (His) commands, and he fulfilled them, He said: Lo! I have appointed thee a leader for mankind. (Abraham) said: And of my offspring (will there be leaders)? He said: My covenant includeth not wrong-doers. (Quran 2:124) 2/n
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मौलाना अबुल कलाम आज़ाद का बंटवारे के बाद भारत में बचे-कुचे अशराफ मुस्लिम लीगियों को कांग्रेस में सेटल कराने में बहुत महत्वपूर्ण योग्यदान था. 1/n
अपने जीते जी मौलाना ने पूरा दमखम लगा दिया था कि पसमांदा मुसलमानों के महानायक बाबा-ए-कौम अब्दुल कैयुम अंसारी को कांग्रेस सरकार में मिनिस्टर न बनाया जाये. 2/n
बंटवारे के बाद सारे 'मुसंघी' मौलाना आज़ाद के बदौलत रातों-रात सेक्युलर बने थे और नेहरू नाम जप कर कांग्रेस में जगह बना पाए थे. 3/n
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Remembering Prophet Muhammad. a kind, just and gentle man who married Khadija, a successful business woman almost twice his age, after being proposed by her. Their love blossomed over the years and the Prophet remained committed to her till the end. 1/n
#EidMiladUnNabi
The Prophet discussed everything that affected people's lives: sexuality, politics, economics, spirituality, war. The state he formed in Medina took redistributive measures seriously. 2/n
Being an orphan in a highly inegalitarian city he could relate to the pain of the excluded, injured and humiliated. Being unschooled he could think beyond the dominant norms. 3/n
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