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If I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it.
B. R. Ambedkar
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of protecting the constitution against misuse, even if it means rejecting it completely.

B. R. Ambedkar's quote speaks to the principle that a constitution must serve the people and uphold justice; if it becomes a tool of oppression or is misused, it loses its legitimacy. In such a scenario, the individual has a moral obligation to oppose and dismantle it rather than passively accept its corruption.

Themes

ConstitutionJusticeOppressionFreedomCivil Rights

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech advocating for civil liberties, one might say, 'As B. R. Ambedkar stated, if I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it.'

More from B. R. Ambedkar

Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them.
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Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government.
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I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity.
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Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men.
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So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you.
B. R. AmbedkarRead
Law and Order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.
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