B.R. Ambedkar’s scheme of nation-building was deeply intertwined with his vision of social justice, political equality, and economic empowerment, which he regarded as essential for creating a cohesive and modern Indian nation-state. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who largely emphasized cultural or religious unity as the foundation for nationhood, Ambedkar focused on structural and institutional reforms to achieve a functional democracy and an inclusive polity. His approach to nation-building was therefore fundamentally normative, rooted in principles of rational governance, legal safeguards, and the dismantling of social hierarchies that hindered genuine political and economic participation. Ambedkar believed that the first step toward nation-building was the establishment of a robust state apparatus grounded in the rule of law. He saw the state not merely as an administrative machine but as an instrument for social transformation. For him, laws and constitutions were central to regulating social relations, protecting marginalized groups, and fostering equality. This is evident in his role as the architect of the Indian Constitution, where he sought to create a legal framework capable of integrating a highly diverse society. By codifying fundamental rights, securing affirmative action for historically oppressed groups, and ensuring the separation of powers, Ambedkar envisioned a state that could mediate conflicts, prevent domination by entrenched elites, and nurture the conditions for democratic participation across caste, class, and religious divides. A critical component of Ambedkar’s nation-building project was his emphasis on democracy as both a political and moral instrument. He distinguished between mere electoral democracy and substantive democracy, arguing that political rights alone would be insufficient unless accompanied by social and economic equality. In his view, India’s deeply stratified