Remembering Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Today.- "The Life and Legacy of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar: Champion of Equality and Social Justice"- By Bijay Deb

Introduction to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar

     Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a notable figure in Indian history as a social reformer, jurist, economist, and politician who played an important role in shaping modern India. Born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India, he was the 14th child of his parents who were from the Mahar caste, a community considered one of the lowest castes in the Indian social hierarchy.

Ambedkar's life was shaped by discrimination due to his caste, and this motivated him to fight for the rights of marginalized communities. Despite facing several obstacles, he pursued his education and earned multiple degrees, including a PhD from Columbia University in the United States.

As the chairman of the drafting committee, Ambedkar's role in drafting the Indian Constitution was significant. He ensured that the constitution was inclusive and provided equal opportunities to all citizens regardless of their caste, creed, or gender. He was also a vocal advocate of the rights of the Dalits, or the untouchables, and played a key role in the Dalit movement, which aimed to eliminate caste-based discrimination in Indian society.

In addition to his political and legal contributions, Ambedkar was an influential writer and scholar. He wrote extensively on social and political issues and authored several books, including 'Annihilation of Caste' and 'The Buddha and His Dhamma.' He founded the Buddhist Society of India and played a crucial role in reviving Buddhism in India, which had declined over the centuries.

Ambedkar's legacy continues to inspire millions of people in India and worldwide. He was a champion of social justice, equality, and human rights, and his contributions have paved the way for progress in marginalized communities in India. His teachings continue to guide the efforts of social reformers and activists in India and beyond, and he remains an icon of the struggle against discrimination and oppression.

Early Life and Education

        Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who is commonly referred to as Babasaheb Ambedkar, is a renowned figure in Indian history. He was a political leader, social reformer, economist, and jurist, who played a significant role in India's independence struggle and fought against caste-based discrimination. Dr. Ambedkar faced numerous struggles and hardships during his life and education.

Being born into a Dalit family, Dr. Ambedkar belonged to the lowest caste in India's caste system. His father, Ramji Maloji Sakpal, served as a Subedar in the British Indian Army, and his mother, Bhimabai, was a homemaker. Despite facing financial difficulties, Dr. Ambedkar showed his academic excellence from a young age. He attended school in Satara, where his teachers recognized his talent, and with their help, he secured a scholarship to attend the prestigious Elphinstone College in Mumbai.

Dr. Ambedkar's educational journey was filled with challenges due to the discrimination and prejudice he faced as a Dalit student. Despite this, he excelled in his studies and earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bombay University, a Master's degree in Economics from Columbia University in New York, and a Doctorate in Economics from the London School of Economics.

Dr. Ambedkar's academic achievements not only led to his personal success but also became significant for the Dalit community. As one of the first Dalits to earn a higher education degree, he broke the barriers of caste-based discrimination and inspired generations of Dalits to pursue education and overcome the challenges they faced.

Throughout his life, Dr. Ambedkar dedicated himself to fighting against caste-based discrimination and worked tirelessly to uplift the oppressed and marginalized communities in India. His contributions to India's social, economic, and political development cannot be overstated, and his legacy lives on, inspiring millions of people worldwide. Dr. Ambedkar's perseverance, hard work, and dedication to his studies enabled him to overcome the obstacles he faced and achieve remarkable success. His academic achievements have inspired generations of Dalits to pursue education and strive for equality, and his legacy as a social reformer and human rights champion will continue to inspire and guide people for generations to come.

Role in Indian Independence Movement

    Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a notable figure in the Indian Independence Movement. He was born in  a Mahar family, which was considered to be part of the "untouchable" caste, and faced social discrimination throughout his life. Nevertheless, he excelled in his studies and became the first Dalit to earn a law degree from Columbia University.

    Ambedkar's contribution to the Indian Independence Movement was significant, as he played a crucial role in shaping India's political and social landscape. He strongly advocated for social justice and equality and was instrumental in shaping the country's constitution.

    In 1917, Ambedkar founded the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, an organization aimed at fighting for the rights of the "untouchables" and improving the lives of the disadvantaged. He also played a critical role in the Mahad Satyagraha of 1927, which aimed to challenge the practice of untouchability by demanding that Dalits be allowed to use the public water tank in Mahad, Maharashtra.

Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the Indian Constitution in 1947, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring that the constitution reflected the principles of social justice, equality, and democracy. He fought against discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, and other factors, and his ideas continue to inspire social justice movements in India and around the world.

    Ambedkar's contribution to the Indian Independence Movement was not limited to politics, as he was also a social reformer who worked to eradicate caste-based discrimination and promote education and empowerment for oppressed communities.

    Dr. Ambedkar was a significant and multifaceted figure in the Indian Independence Movement. His tireless efforts towards social justice and equality, as well as his contribution to shaping India's constitution, have left an indelible mark on Indian history and society. His ideas and legacy continue to inspire people worldwide to fight against discrimination and oppression.

Contributions to the Indian Constitution

        Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is widely recognized as the architect of the Indian Constitution. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly of India, he played an instrumental role in framing the Constitution.

Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to the Constitution were numerous and significant. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the Constitution was comprehensive, egalitarian, and reflective of the aspirations of the Indian people. Some of his most notable contributions include:

• Fundamental Rights: Dr. Ambedkar fought for the inclusion of fundamental rights in the Constitution. He believed that every citizen should have the right to freedom, equality, and justice, and the Constitution guarantees these fundamental rights to all citizens of India.

• Directive Principles of State Policy: Dr. Ambedkar advocated for the inclusion of Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution, which guide the government in making policies and laws that promote the welfare of the people.

• Abolition of Untouchability: Dr. Ambedkar opposed the caste system and worked to abolish untouchability. He ensured that the Constitution prohibits any form of discrimination based on caste or religion.

• Reservation: Dr. Ambedkar was a strong advocate of reservations for historically marginalized communities. He believed that affirmative action was necessary to redress historical injustices and ensure equal opportunities for all.

• Federal Structure: Dr. Ambedkar believed that power should be distributed between the central government and the states. He ensured that the Constitution provided for a federal structure and established a system of cooperative federalism.

Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to the Constitution of India are invaluable. His vision of a just and equal society is enshrined in the Constitution and continues to guide the nation towards progress and prosperity. He remains an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his legacy is an essential part of India's history and identity.

Dalit Empowerment and Social Reforms

    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born into a Dalit family, which belonged to a lower caste in India's caste system. Being a Dalit himself, he faced discrimination and untouchability from an early age, which fueled his determination to work towards Dalit empowerment and social reform. He strongly believed that the caste system was a social evil that needed to be eliminated to create a just and equitable society.

        Throughout his life, Dr. Ambedkar fought for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities. He founded numerous social and political movements, including the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, which aimed to uplift the Dalits and provide them with equal rights and opportunities. He also worked tirelessly to eradicate untouchability, which was prevalent in Indian society at that time. He initiated the Satyagraha movement in Mahad, which aimed to allow Dalits to access public water sources. This movement was successful, leading to the opening up of public water sources for everyone.

        Dr. Ambedkar played an instrumental role in the inclusion of provisions in the Indian Constitution that aimed to uplift Dalits and other marginalized communities. These provisions, such as reservations in education and employment, have played a significant role in empowering Dalits and providing them with equal opportunities.

        Dr. Ambedkar's contribution to Dalit empowerment and social reform is immeasurable. He dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities and worked towards creating a just and equitable society. His legacy continues to inspire people to work towards social justice and equality for all.

Ambedkar's Political Career

        Dr. B.R. Ambedkar determination and perseverance helped him rise above these challenges and become one of India's most influential leaders.

Dr. Ambedkar's political career began in 1919 when he was appointed to the Bombay Legislative Council. He used this platform to champion the cause of the Dalits, who were then known as untouchables, and advocated for their social and political rights. He was also a strong advocate for the education and empowerment of women and worked towards their inclusion in politics and public life.

In 1930, Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution. He played a key role in framing the Constitution and ensured that it included provisions to safeguard the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities. He also fought for the inclusion of measures to promote social justice and equality in Indian society.

Dr. Ambedkar's political career was marked by his unwavering commitment to the cause of social justice and equality. He founded the Bahujan Samaj Party in 1951, which aimed to unite the Dalits and other marginalized communities in India. He also launched several movements and campaigns to fight against caste-based discrimination and promote the rights of the marginalized sections of society.

Dr. Ambedkar's legacy continues to inspire people across India and the world. His contributions to Indian politics and society have been recognized and celebrated, and his teachings on social justice, equality, and human rights continue to guide and inspire people to this day.

Legacy and Impact on Indian Society

    One of Dr. Ambedkar's most important achievements was the drafting of the Indian Constitution. This was a very important document that provided for equality before the law and outlawed discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or place of birth. It also guaranteed fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to freedom of speech, expression, and religion.

    Dr. Ambedkar was a very strong advocate for the rights of the Dalits, who were at the bottom of the caste system. He worked hard to ensure that they were treated as equals and had access to education, employment, and political representation. He also led the movement for the conversion of Dalits to Buddhism, which he believed would provide them with a sense of dignity and self-respect.

    In addition to his work on the Constitution and the Dalit community, Dr. Ambedkar was a big believer in education. He thought that education was very important for breaking the cycle of poverty and discrimination. He founded the People's Education Society in 1945, which aimed to promote education among the Dalit community.

    Dr. Ambedkar's work and legacy continue to inspire people in India and around the world. His ideas of equality, justice, and freedom have had a big impact on Indian society, especially for the Dalit community. His contribution to the Indian Constitution and the fight for social justice and equality will always be remembered as an important moment in Indian history.

Honors and Awards Received by Ambedkar

    Throughout his career, Ambedkar received several honors and awards for his contributions to society. In 1952, he was appointed as India's first law minister in the government of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in drafting India's constitution, which remains a cornerstone of the country's legal and political system. In recognition of his efforts, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1990, posthumously.

Apart from the Bharat Ratna, Ambedkar also received several other prestigious honors and awards during his lifetime. In 1951, he was elected as a member of the Constituent Assembly, which was responsible for drafting India's constitution. In 1953, he was elected as the first chairman of the Drafting Committee, which oversaw the process of finalizing the constitution.

In 1955, Ambedkar was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize by the Soviet Union in recognition of his advocacy for peace and social justice. He was the first Indian to receive this award. He was also honored with the Columbia University's prestigious Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair in 1991, which is dedicated to promoting research on social justice and human rights.

In addition to these awards, Ambedkar's contributions to society have been recognized in other ways as well. The Indian government has declared his birthday, April 14th, as a national holiday and instituted several schemes and programs in his name to promote the welfare of the marginalized sections of society.

        His contributions to society have been recognized through several honors and awards, including India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. However, perhaps his greatest achievement was his tireless advocacy for the rights and dignity of the oppressed, which continues to inspire millions of people across India and the world.

Some Quotes by Dr. Ambedkar

    On his 132nd birth anniversary, let us recall BR Ambedkar's some famoue quotes :- 

1. "I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved."

2. "I do not want that our loyalty as Indians should be in the slightest way affected by any competitive loyalty whether that loyalty arises out of our religion, out of our culture or out of our language."

3. "I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity."

4. "Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire which prevents the Hindus from co-mingling and which has, therefore, to be pulled down. Caste is a notion; it is a state of the mind."

5. "If I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it."

6. "I am not a political leader. I am a social servant. My work is not to lead people, but to serve them."

7. "Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise, both will wither and die."

8. "Life should be great rather than long."

9. "A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society."

10. "Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle."

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