Why Indian Labour is Determined to Win the War

 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's essay "Why Indian Labour is Determined to Win the War" was written during World War II, when India was still under British colonial rule. In this essay, Ambedkar explains why Indian laborers supported the Allied Powers in the war and were determined to achieve victory despite the ongoing colonial exploitation. His arguments highlight the aspirations and political consciousness of the working class during this turbulent period.

Summary of the Essay:

1. Global Context of the War: Ambedkar begins by situating the war in a global context, noting that World War II was not just a battle between countries, but also a fight between two ideologies—democracy and fascism. The Axis Powers, led by Germany, Italy, and Japan, represented totalitarian regimes that sought to oppress and exploit weaker nations, while the Allied Powers stood for democratic values, including liberty, equality, and human rights. Ambedkar argues that the outcome of the war would determine the future of these values, both globally and in India.

2. Impact on Indian Labor: Ambedkar then focuses on the condition of Indian laborers. He acknowledges that Indian workers were oppressed under British colonial rule and suffered from poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of political rights. However, he stresses that the fascist regimes represented a far greater threat to their freedom and well-being. If the Axis Powers were to win, Indian labor would face even harsher oppression and possibly lose whatever little political space they had.

Fascism, according to Ambedkar, would bring about the complete subjugation of workers and the dismantling of any efforts toward social justice or labor reforms. Therefore, Indian laborers had a vested interest in supporting the war against fascism, as a victory for the Axis Powers would mean the destruction of democratic values and the rise of dictatorship and exploitation on a larger scale.

3. Allied Victory and Indian Freedom: Ambedkar also points out that an Allied victory could strengthen the demand for India's independence. He believed that Indian laborers, as part of the broader anti-colonial struggle, could leverage their support for the war to press for political reforms and social justice in post-war India. The labor class had become more aware of their rights and aspirations for a better future. Hence, they were determined to support the Allied cause, hoping that a victory would not only defeat fascism but also lead to greater political and social freedoms for Indians.

4. Solidarity with Global Labor Movements: Indian labor's determination to win the war was also rooted in their solidarity with international labor movements. Ambedkar emphasizes that the working-class struggle was not just a national issue, but a global one. Workers across the world were fighting against the oppression of capitalist and fascist systems. By supporting the Allies, Indian laborers were aligning themselves with the international working class in their common fight for justice, equality, and the defeat of fascism.

Conclusion:

Ambedkar concludes by arguing that the Indian working class was not blindly supporting the war. They were fully aware of the importance of defeating fascism and the potential benefits for their own future. Despite their current struggles under British rule, they recognized that an Allied victory could pave the way for a better and more just society—one in which workers could have more rights and greater opportunities for social and economic progress.

In summary, Ambedkar's essay explains that Indian labor was determined to win the war not because of loyalty to British rule, but because they saw it as a fight for their own survival, dignity, and future in a world free from the tyranny of fascism.