TIMELINE

The Life Journey of Babasaheb

From birth in 1891 to the Bharat Ratna in 1990 — explore the key milestones of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's extraordinary life

1891

Birth of Babasaheb

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.

Birth
1907

Matriculation

Ambedkar passed his matriculation examination from Elphinstone High School, Bombay. He was one of the very few untouchables to achieve this milestone at that time.

Education
1912

BA Degree

Graduated with a degree in Economics and Political Science from Bombay University (Elphinstone College). A landmark achievement for someone from an untouchable community.

Education
1913

Columbia University

Awarded the Baroda State Scholarship and went to Columbia University, New York, USA for higher studies. Studied under Prof. John Dewey and Prof. Edwin Seligman.

Education
1916

PhD from Columbia

Completed his PhD thesis 'The National Dividend of India – A Historic and Analytical Study' at Columbia University. Also presented his paper 'Castes in India' at a seminar.

Education
1917

Return to India

Returned to India and began working as a professor at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Bombay. Started his fight against caste discrimination.

Career
1920

Mooknayak Newspaper

Started the weekly newspaper 'Mooknayak' (Leader of the Silent) to advocate for Dalit rights and social justice. This was a powerful medium for social reform.

Activism
1924

Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha

Founded the 'Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha' (Outcastes Welfare Association) with the motto: Educate, Agitate, Organize. Began organized struggle for Dalit rights.

Activism
1927

Mahad Satyagraha

Led the historic Mahad Satyagraha (Chavdar Tale Satyagraha) — a march to assert the right of untouchables to use public water resources. A landmark event in civil rights.

Activism
1930

Kalaram Temple Movement

Led thousands of Dalits in a peaceful satyagraha to enter the Kalaram Temple in Nashik, challenging the practice of untouchability in Hindu temples.

Activism
1932

Poona Pact

After the Communal Award by the British, Gandhi fasted against separate electorates for Dalits. The Poona Pact was signed, providing reserved seats within general electorates.

Political
1935

Conversion Declaration

At the Yeola Conference in Nashik, Ambedkar declared: 'I was born a Hindu but I will not die a Hindu.' This marked a turning point in his spiritual journey.

Spiritual
1936

Independent Labour Party

Founded the Independent Labour Party which won 14 seats in the 1937 Bombay election. Championed workers' rights alongside the fight against caste discrimination.

Political
1947

Chairman of Drafting Committee

Appointed as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee by the Constituent Assembly. Recognized as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

Political
1949

Constitution Adopted

The Constitution of India, drafted under Ambedkar's leadership, was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. It came into effect on January 26, 1950.

Political
1950

Law Minister of India

Served as India's first Law Minister. Introduced the Hindu Code Bill for gender equality in marriage, inheritance, and property rights.

Political
1956

Embraced Buddhism

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

Spiritual
1956

Mahaparinirvan

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956, at his home in Delhi. His legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide in the fight for equality and justice.

Memorial
1990

Bharat Ratna

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his immense contributions to the nation.

Honor