Exhibition of Books to commemorate the Birth Anniversary …
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A pioneering social reformer, jurist, economist, author, polyglot orator, scholar of comparativereligions and thinker Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), theprincipal architect of Indian Constitution and independent India’s first law minister, was a multi-faceted man who remapped the frontiers of human achievement by his sheer tenacity, perseverance, and the will to excel against all odds.
Babasaheb, as he was fondly called by friends, admirers, and followers, braved the walls ofprejudice and caste discrimination in early 20th century India to emerge as an exemplar andanunflinching crusader against the inequities of caste system and socio-economic deprivation thatafflicted millions of Indians. His life is an inspirational story of achievements despite tryingcircumstances and the indomitable will to move beyond individual strife for the larger causeofsocial justice and national renaissance.
Born into the Hindu Mahar caste, which was scorned as "untouchable" by the upper class of thetime, Babasaheb did not allow the limitations of his background to come in the way of acquiringfirst-rate education and pushing the bar for academic excellence. He earned a law degree fromGray’s Inn, University of London and doctorates from Columbia University in the US and theLondon School of Economics, UK carving a place of eminence as a scholar extraordinaire for hisresearch in law, economics and political science. His early career saw him donning many hats: economist, professor, and lawyer. In the next stage, he emerged as a national leader with a panIndia vision of modernity underpinned by the ideals of social justice and equality. As India’sfreedom movement gained traction, he harnessed his formidable intellectual energies to scriptan anthem of an inclusive India and strove tirelessly for political rights and social freedomforDalits and the marginalized groups.
India’s tryst with destiny, as India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru spoke eloquently aboutat the fateful hour of India’s independence, saw Dr. Ambedkar being entrusted withamonumental responsibility: he was appointed Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committeeon August 29, 1947. He fashioned a pluralistic and inclusive Constitution that guides and animatesIndia to this day, guaranteeing equal opportunity and freedom of expression and faith for allcitizens in a secular democracy. Famous scholar Granville Austin has evoked the revolutionaryspirit of Dr. Ambedkar that is reflected in the Indian Constitution.
"The majority of India'sconstitutional provisions are either directly arrived at furthering the aim of social revolutionorattempt to foster this revolution by establishing conditions necessary for its achievement, ” wroteAustin. The Constitution, drafted under Dr. Ambedkar’s leadership, abolished untouchability, andoutlawed all forms of discrimination. An ardent proponent of the rights of women, minorities andthe socially underprivileged, he argued eloquently and won the Constituent Assembly's supportfor introducing a system of reservations of jobs in the civil services, schools and colleges formembers of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Class. This was laterreflected in the policies of affirmative action adopted by the Indian government.
An erudite economist and institution-builder, Dr. Ambedkar authored many scholarly treatises on economics and was the driving force behind establishment of the Finance Commission of India. His ideas also laid the foundation for the setting up of India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India.
While Dr. Ambedkar’s achievements were manifold and straddled a wide spectrum, his inner life was richer and marked by spiritual vitality. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism. He later died in the same year in New Delhi while working on "The Buddha and his Dhamma”, which was published posthumously.
The popularity and esteem he enjoyed among all lovers of social justice was seen at his funeral at Dadar Chowpatty beach on December 7, 1956, which was thronged by at least half a million mourners.
Babasaheb’s myriad contributions to the forging of a modern inclusive India were recognized posthumously through the Bharat Ratna in 1990. Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals of social inequality redesigned the contours of Indian politics. His surging popularity was reflected in scholarly biographies, numerous statues and memorials across the country. In 2012, Ambedkar was voted the "Greatest Indian" by a poll organized by History TV18 and CNN IBN.
Today, Ambedkar is revered nationally, and figures in the national pantheon as one of the makers of modern India, along with Gandhi, Nehru and Tagore. His birthday, April 14, has been christened as 'Ambedkar Jayanti' or 'Bhim Jayanti' and is celebrated as a public holiday. As India celebrates the birth anniversary of this national icon, Babasaheb remains an inspiration for millions of Indians and proponents of equality and social justice across the globe. Fittingly, although it’s a matter of coincidence, one can see the trace of Babasaheb’s radiant vision in the "Sustainable Development Goals” that are set to be formally adopted by the UN General.
Assembly to eliminate poverty, hunger, and socio-economic inequality by 2030. (The Ministry of External Affairs: https://www.mea.gov.in/about-amb.htm) Online Resources on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar B. R. Ambedkar 1891 – 1956, Constitution of India Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar – Life, History & Works Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Original Interview by BBC, 1953 (Hindi Subtitle) Mooknayak Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | Documentary The Life Struggles and Legacy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Writings and Speeches (BAWS), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India.