Maharashtra, a linguistic province, holds significance beyond its geographical boundaries. B. R. Ambedkar, a visionary and the architect of the Indian Constitution, acknowledged the pivotal role of language in shaping the identity and aspirations of its people. Ambedkar emphasized the empowerment that linguistic unity brings, advocating for the recognition and preservation of Marathi as the primary language of Maharashtra. He believed that linguistic cohesion fosters cultural pride and solidarity among diverse communities, laying the foundation for social progress and harmony. Ambedkar's vision for Maharashtra as a linguistic province encompassed not only the promotion of Marathi but also the protection of linguistic rights for all its residents. In his advocacy, he envisioned Maharashtra as a beacon of linguistic diversity and inclusivity, where every individual finds resonance and affirmation in their linguistic heritage.

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables, while also supporting the rights of women and labour.

Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts as reflected in his writings and speeches have significant importance in tracing the history and growth of social thought in India. In the course of time so many of his publications are not even available in the market. In some cases the authentic editions are getting out of print. Besides, as time passes, many of his observations in matters social, economic and political are coming true. Social tensions and caste conflicts are continuously on the increase. Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts have therefore, assumed more relevance today. If his solutions and remedies on various socioeconomic problems are understood and followed, it may help us to steer through the present turmoil and guide us for the future. It was therefore very apt on the part of the Government of Maharashtra to have appointed an Advisory Committee to compile all the material available on Dr. Ambedkar for publishing the same in a suitable form. All efforts are therefore being made to collect what the learned Doctor wrote and spoke. In the present volume, besides Castes in India. Annihilation of Caste, his address on Justice Ranade. Federation versus Freedom and other publications, some of his articles not easily available such as Small Holdings in India, Review on Russell’s book etc. ; have also been included

This volume critically engages with recent formulations and debates regarding the status of the regional languages of the Indian subcontinent vis-à-vis English. It explores how language ideologies of the “vernacular” are positioned in relation to the language ideologies of English in South Asia. The book probes into how we might move beyond the English-vernacular binary in India, explores what happened to “bhasha literatures” during the colonial and post-colonial periods and how to position those literatures by the side of Indian English and international literature. It looks into the ways vernacular community and political rhetoric are intertwined with Anglophone (national or global) positionalities and their roles in political processes. This book will be of interest to researchers, students and scholars of literary and cultural studies, Indian Writing in English, Indian literatures, South Asian languages and popular culture. It will also be extremely valuable for language scholars, sociolinguists, social historians, scholars of cultural studies and those who understand the theoretical issues that concern the notion of “vernacularity”.