On 26th January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics, we will have equality and in social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one man one value. How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions? How long shall we continue to deny equality in our social and economic life? If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril. We must remove this contradiction at the earliest possible moment else those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure of democracy, which this Constituent Assembly has so laboriously built up.
I feel that the constitution is workable, it is flexible and it is strong enough to hold the country together both in peacetime and in wartime. Indeed, if I may say so, if things go wrong under the new Constitution, the reason will not be that we had a bad Constitution. What we will have to say is that man was vile?
The third thing we must do is not be content with mere political democracy. We must note that our political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of social democracy. What does social democracy mean? It means a way of life, which recognizes liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life.
... however, good a constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a bad lot. However, bad a constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those who are called to work it, happen to be a good lot. The working of a Constitution does not depend wholly upon the nature of the Constitution.
[Excerpts from Dr. Ambedkar’s address to the Constituent Assembly, 25 November 1949]
What is the life of contradiction referred to here?
Correct Answer :
That of equality in politics but inequality in social and economic structure
Solution :
The correct option is: That of equality in politics but inequality in social and economic structure.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Analyzing the Speech Excerpt:
In the opening lines of the provided excerpt from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s address to the Constituent Assembly on 25th November 1949, he states:
"On 26th January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics, we will have equality and in social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one man one value."
2. Identifying the Contradiction:
Dr. Ambedkar explicitly defines the "life of contradictions" as the coexistence of political equality (where every citizen gets one vote, and every vote has the same value) alongside persistent social and economic inequality (where social hierarchies and economic disparities deny equal value to individuals in society).
3. Evaluating the Options:
- Option 1: "That of equality in politics but inequality in social and economic structure" — This directly matches Dr. Ambedkar's statement in the text.
- Option 2: "That of inequality in politics but equality in social and economic structure" — Incorrect, as India was introducing equality in politics through universal adult suffrage.
- Option 3: "That of inequality in social structure but equality in economic structure" — Incorrect, as both social and economic structures suffered from inequality.
- Option 4: "That of equality in politics and economic structure but inequality in social structure" — Incorrect, as economic equality was not yet achieved.
Therefore, the life of contradiction referred to in the passage is the contrast between political equality and social/economic inequality.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.
