I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity.

The quote by B. R. Ambedkar emphasizes his belief that true religion should uphold the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. When he says, “I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity,” he is highlighting that the worth of any spiritual system lies not only in rituals or doctrines but in its ability to promote human dignity and social justice. For Ambedkar, religion was meaningful only if it could transform society by removing discrimination and fostering unity.

By invoking liberty, equality, and fraternity, Ambedkar draws on principles that were central to both the French Revolution and his own vision of democracy in India. He saw these values as essential for creating a just society where individuals could live free from oppression and treated with mutual respect. In this sense, he positioned religion not as a divisive force but as a tool for moral and social progress.

The origin of this quote lies in Ambedkar’s lifelong struggle against caste discrimination and his search for a religion that could embody these ideals. Although born into the Dalit community and experiencing severe social exclusion, Ambedkar sought a spiritual framework that aligned with his vision of social justice. This search eventually led him to embrace Buddhism in 1956, as he believed it upheld the principles of freedom, equality, and compassion better than other traditions within India’s social structure.

Ultimately, Ambedkar’s words reflect his conviction that religion must serve humanity by ensuring justice and inclusivity. By linking liberty, equality, and fraternity to religion, he redefined spirituality as a foundation for democratic values and collective well-being, rather than as a justification for hierarchy or exclusion.