Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Early Life & Background

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar), Central Provinces, British India. He was the 14th and last child of Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai Sakpal.

The Ambedkar family belonged to the Mahar caste, which was classified as "untouchable" at the time. Despite extreme discrimination and humiliation faced daily, young Bhimrao showed extraordinary intellectual brilliance from an early age.

His father, Ramji Sakpal, served in the British Indian Army and ensured that all his children received an education. A teacher named Mahadev Ambedkar was fond of young Bhimrao and changed his surname from "Sakpal" to "Ambedkar" in school records.

Education — Breaking Barriers

Ambedkar was one of the first "untouchables" to obtain a college education in India. His educational journey was nothing short of extraordinary:

• 1907: Matriculation from Elphinstone High School, Bombay
• 1912: BA in Economics & Political Science from Bombay University
• 1913: Awarded Baroda State Scholarship to study at Columbia University, USA
• 1915: MA in Economics from Columbia University
• 1916: PhD from Columbia University on "The National Dividend of India"
• 1916-17: Studied at London School of Economics & Gray's Inn, London
• 1921: MSc from London School of Economics
• 1923: DSc from London School of Economics
• 1923: Called to the Bar by Gray's Inn, London

He was among the most educated Indians of his time, possessing more degrees than most of his contemporaries combined. His education at Columbia under Professor John Dewey profoundly influenced his democratic ideals.

Fight Against Untouchability

Ambedkar dedicated his life to eradicating the caste system and fighting for the rights of Dalits (formerly called "untouchables"). Key movements include:

• Mahad Satyagraha (1927): Led thousands to assert the right to use public water from the Chavdar Tank. This was India's first civil rights movement.
• Mooknayak Newspaper (1920): Started the weekly to give voice to the voiceless and advocate for Dalit rights.
• Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha (1924): Founded to promote education and socio-economic upliftment of the depressed classes. Motto: "Educate, Agitate, Organize."
• Kalaram Temple Movement (1930): Led a peaceful satyagraha demanding the right of Dalits to enter Hindu temples.
• Burning of Manusmriti (1927): Publicly burned the Manusmriti as a symbol of rejection of caste discrimination enshrined in ancient texts.

Architect of the Indian Constitution

On August 29, 1947, Ambedkar was appointed Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee by the Constituent Assembly of India. Over nearly three years, he meticulously crafted what would become the world's longest written constitution for a sovereign nation.

The Constitution of India, adopted on November 26, 1949, and effective from January 26, 1950, enshrined the principles of:

• Justice — social, economic, and political
• Liberty — of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship
• Equality — of status and of opportunity
• Fraternity — assuring the dignity of the individual

The Constitution abolished untouchability (Article 17), guaranteed fundamental rights, and established reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

As India's First Law Minister

Ambedkar served as independent India's first Minister of Law and Justice (1947–1951). His most significant legislative effort was the Hindu Code Bill, which sought to:

• Grant women the right to property and inheritance
• Provide for divorce
• Abolish caste-based discrimination in marriage
• Ensure gender equality in family law

When the bill faced strong opposition and was weakened, Ambedkar resigned from the cabinet in 1951 in protest, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to social justice.

Embrace of Buddhism

On October 14, 1956, at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in a historic mass conversion ceremony along with approximately 600,000 followers.

He had declared in 1935: "I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu." After decades of studying all major religions, he chose Buddhism as it aligned with his ideals of equality, compassion, and rational thinking.

His book "The Buddha and His Dhamma" was published posthumously and remains a foundational text for Navayana Buddhism.

Legacy & Honors

Dr. Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956, at his home in Delhi. His legacy continues to shape India and the world:

• 1990: Awarded the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian honor) posthumously
• April 14: Celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti — a national holiday
• December 6: Observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas
• Innumerable statues, institutions, universities, and roads named after him across India and the world
• His portrait hangs in the Indian Parliament
• Columbia University lists him among its most distinguished alumni

Major Works & Publications