New Delhi, 19/11: Dr B R Ambedkar was India’s first male feminist, who propagated such ideas decades back that could be considered as progressive even for the current generation of politicians, Congress leader and writer Shashi Tharoor said here on Saturday. He was speaking during an interaction programme at the ongoing Goa Heritage Festival.
He (Ambedkar) was probably India’s first male feminist. Way back in 1920, 30s, 40s he made speeches, including in front of a female audience, which today would be considered as progressive for a male politician,” the Congress MP said while speaking about his latest book Ambedkar: A Life.
“He (Ambedkar) urged women not to allow themselves to be forced into marriage. He urged women to delay marriage, delay childbirth. He urged them to stand up to their husbands as equals,” The Thiruvanathapuram MP said. Ambedkar as a legislator fought for women workers and labourers, he said, adding, “It was a remarkable feminist thinking of this man 80-90 years ago.”