Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar is famous as the father of the Indian Constitution. He was a great activist and a social reformer who fought for the rights of Dalits and the upliftment of the socially backward class in the Indian society.

Early life and Education

B.R. Ambedkar was born on 14th April 1891 in Mhow, a small place in Western Madhya Pradesh. He belonged to the ‘untouchable’ Mahar caste. Since his grandfather and father were part of the British army, all Army personnel’s family were required to study and thus Ambedkar had the privilege to study which would otherwise had been denied to low caste people.

Fight against Untouchability

Despite the opportunity given to all students to study, Bhimrao faced a lot of discrimination in school. They had to sit on the floor to study, teachers would not touch their notebooks, they were not allowed to drink water from the public reservoir and it soon etched into his mind that they will remain the ‘untouch’.
He was very fond of reading and read everything he could lay his hands on. Bhimrao was always mocked at by teachers but he went on to get higher education and graduated in Arts. He even won a scholarship for higher studies and was sent to America. He completed his doctorate and went to London to study economics and politics. His scholarship was terminated and he had to return to Baroda. Here he worked as the Defence secretary for the state but he was often ridiculed for being of the ‘Mahar’ caste. Thus he left his job and became a teacher at Sydenham College in Mumbai. He also started a weekly journal, ‘Mooknayak’, with the help of the Maharaja of Kohlapur. The journal criticised the orthodox Hindu beliefs and was a voice against discrimination.

Political Career

He earned enough money to complete his studies in London and then was appointed as barrister in the British bar. Determined to work for eradication of discrimination in India, he returned. He started the ‘Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha’ which provided education and socio-economic improvement to the backward classes. He followed the footsteps of Gandhi to fight for water source and right to enter temples for the untouchables. He also published a book ‘Annihilation of caste’ in which he strongly criticised the discriminative Indian society. He also published ‘Who were the shudras?’ where he explained the formation of untouchables.

The Father of Indian Constitution

He earned the chair as free India’s first law minister and the chairman of the drafting committee of the Indian Constitution. He drafted the Indian constitution in such a way as to provide Indian citizens with freedom of religion, abolish untouchability, provide rights to women and bridge the gap between various Indian classes.

Conversion to Buddhism and Death

Babasaheb converted himself to Budhism after being inspired by their preaching. He even wrote a book ‘The Buddha and his Dhamma’. He died on December 6, 1956. His birthday is celebrated as a public holiday known as Ambedkar jayanti.

Dr. B.R Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a prominent Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who dedicated his life to fighting against social discrimination and championing the rights of marginalized communities, especially the Dalits. Born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in shaping modern India through his tireless efforts to eradicate caste-based discrimination and promote social equality.

Early Life and Education
Dr. Ambedkar was born into a Dalit family, which belonged to the Mahar caste, considered as untouchables in the Indian caste system. Despite facing extreme social discrimination and economic hardships, he pursued his education with determination. He obtained a scholarship to study at the Elphinstone High School in Bombay, where he excelled academically. Driven by his thirst for knowledge, he went on to pursue higher studies at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, where he obtained multiple degrees in law and economics.

Fight Against Social Discrimination
Dr. Ambedkar was a vocal critic of the caste system in India, which he believed perpetuated social inequality and denied basic human rights to millions. Throughout his life, he fought for the upliftment of Dalits and other marginalized communities. He advocated for the eradication of untouchability, the establishment of equal rights, and the provision of educational and employment opportunities for all. As the chairman of the drafting committee, he played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution, which enshrined principles of equality, justice, and fundamental rights.

Key Contributions and Achievements

1. Dalit Empowerment: Dr. Ambedkar relentlessly worked towards empowering the Dalit community by establishing organizations such as the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha and the Independent Labour Party. He fought for their right to education, access to public spaces, and representation in government and decision-making bodies.

2. Women's Rights: Dr. Ambedkar was a strong advocate for women's rights and gender equality. He fought against gender-based discrimination, supported the right to divorce for women, and actively worked towards abolishing child marriage.

3. Annihilation of Caste: One of Dr. Ambedkar's seminal works is his book titled "Annihilation of Caste," in which he critically analyzed the caste system and proposed radical reforms for its eradication.

4. Social Reforms: He spearheaded various social reforms such as the temple entry movement, encouraging the participation of Dalits in public religious spaces, and advocating for inter-caste marriages to promote social harmony.

Legacy and Impact
Dr. B.R Ambedkar's contributions to Indian society and the upliftment of marginalized communities are immeasurable. His tireless efforts paved the way for significant social reforms and laid the foundation for a more inclusive and egalitarian India. Today, he is widely regarded as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and is remembered as the champion of social justice and equality. His teachings and ideas continue to inspire generations and his efforts serve as a constant reminder of the ongoing struggle for a just and equitable society.