Quotes for Essay

“Prayer of the god lead to salvation in the temples but in politics it lead to the dictatorship” – B R Ambedkar

Quote by B R Ambedkar

1. Meaning and Significance:

The quote by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, “Prayer of the god lead to salvation in the temples but in politics it lead to the dictatorship,” underscores a critical distinction between religious and political realms. In religious contexts, prayer is a personal or communal act of faith that seeks spiritual salvation or divine intervention. It is an expression of humility and submission to a higher power, often leading to inner peace and moral guidance.

However, when this concept of unquestioning faith and submission is transferred to the political arena, it can have dangerous consequences. In politics, leaders who demand blind faith and absolute loyalty from their followers can easily become authoritarian. Such leaders may exploit the trust and devotion of their supporters to consolidate power, suppress dissent, and establish a dictatorship. The quote highlights the importance of maintaining a critical and questioning attitude in political matters to safeguard democratic principles and prevent the rise of autocratic regimes.

2. Using the Quote in an Essay

In discussing the delicate balance between faith and reason in governance, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s insightful observation, “Prayer of the god lead to salvation in the temples but in politics it lead to the dictatorship,” serves as a poignant reminder of the potential perils of conflating religious devotion with political allegiance. While prayer in a temple is a manifestation of spiritual seeking and surrender to a higher power, such uncritical submission in the political sphere can pave the way for authoritarianism. History is replete with examples where leaders, cloaked in the guise of messianic figures, have demanded unwavering loyalty from their followers, only to erode democratic institutions and civil liberties. Therefore, it is imperative for citizens to engage in politics with a vigilant and questioning mindset, ensuring that their leaders are held accountable and that power remains dispersed rather than concentrated. Ambedkar’s quote thus underscores the necessity of distinguishing between the realms of personal faith and public governance to preserve the essence of democracy.

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