Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was one of the most influential social reformers, jurists, economists, and political thinkers in Indian history. He is best known as the principal architect of the Constitution of India and a tireless advocate for the rights of the Dalits (Scheduled Castes).

Basic Information

Full Name: Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Birth: 14 April 1891, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh
Death: 6 December 1956, Delhi
Community: Mahar (Dalit)
Father: Ramji Sakpal
Mother: Bhimabai
Religion: Born Hindu, later converted to Buddhism in 1956

Education

Dr. Ambedkar was among the most highly educated Indians of his time.

B.A. – University of Bombay
M.A. and Ph.D. – Columbia University, USA
D.Sc. – London School of Economics
Bar-at-Law – Gray’s Inn, London

Key Contributions

1. Architect of the Indian Constitution
As Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he was the main author of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights, equality, and justice for all citizens.

3. Advocate of Women’s Rights
Through the Hindu Code Bill, he sought to provide women with legal rights in property, marriage, and divorce.

4. Conversion to Buddhism
In 1956, he converted to Buddhism, rejecting the caste system within Hinduism. He led a mass conversion movement of nearly 500,000 people.

5. Contributions to Economics and Social Policy
He wrote extensively on finance, labor rights, and social welfare, and emphasized state responsibility for the well-being of its citizens.

Famous Quotes

“Educate, Agitate, Organize.”
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
“We must stand on our own feet and fight as best as we can for our rights.”

Legacy

Posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990
Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated every year on 14 April
Memorial at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai
His ideas inspired movements for social justice, equality, and democratic rights throughout India

Birth and Childhood of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Birth and Family Background

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in the small military cantonment town of Mhow, in the Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh), British India.

His father, Ramji Maloji Sakpal, was a Subedar (non-commissioned officer) in the British Indian Army.
His mother, Bhimabai, was a devout and patient woman.
Bhimrao was the 14th and youngest child in the family.

Though his father had a good position in the army and valued education, the family belonged to the “Mahar” caste, which was considered untouchable at that time. This deeply affected Ambedkar’s early life and planted the seeds of rebellion against caste-based discrimination in his mind.

Caste Discrimination Faced in Childhood

Even as a child, Bhimrao experienced harsh caste-based discrimination, despite his father’s government service:

In school, he was not allowed to sit with upper-caste children.
Teachers avoided touching his notebooks, and often neglected him in class.
He and other Dalit students had to bring their own mats to sit on and could not drink water unless someone from a higher caste poured it for them.
These painful experiences of exclusion, insult, and humiliation left a permanent impression on his young mind.

Despite all this, Bhimrao was an extremely intelligent and curious child. He had a great interest in reading, learning, and writing.

Inspiration and Support

One of the early supporters of Bhimrao’s education was a Brahmin teacher named Krishna Mahadev Ambedkar, who recognized his intelligence. Out of respect and gratitude, Bhimrao adopted his teacher’s surname “Ambedkar” (instead of his original family name “Sakpal”).

Another major influence was his father, who strongly believed in education as a tool for liberation. Ramji ensured that Bhimrao and his siblings were educated as much as possible, despite social resistance.

Early Education

Bhimrao started his primary education at a government school in Satara, Maharashtra.
Later, the family moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), where he continued his education at Elphinstone High School, one of the top schools at the time.
He became the first Dalit student in India to pass the matriculation exam (10th standard) in 1907 — a historic achievement.
In 1908, he enrolled in Elphinstone College, affiliated with Bombay University, and completed his Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Economics and Political Science in 1912.

Impact of Early Life

Dr. Ambedkar’s childhood was full of pain, exclusion, and struggle, but it also gave him a powerful sense of purpose. The humiliations he endured shaped his lifelong mission:

To fight against untouchability and caste discrimination
To secure education and dignity for the oppressed
To build a society based on equality and justice

His early years formed the foundation for his radical social vision and made him a voice for millions who had been historically silenced.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Educational Journey

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s life is a shining example of how education can empower the most marginalized. Despite being born into a poor and oppressed community (the Mahar caste), he rose to become one of the most educated Indians of his time, achieving multiple degrees from top global universities.

1. Primary and School Education (Satara & Bombay)

Ambedkar began his primary schooling in Satara, Maharashtra.
Due to his caste, he faced extreme discrimination. He was not allowed to sit inside classrooms, had to bring his own mat, and could not drink water from the same pot as upper-caste students.
Later, the family moved to Bombay where he joined Elphinstone High School.
In 1907, he became the first Dalit in India to pass the Matriculation examination (10th standard), breaking a major caste barrier.
This event was widely celebrated in the Dalit community and marked the beginning of his academic journey.

2. College Education in India

In 1908, Ambedkar took admission to Elphinstone College, Bombay (affiliated to the University of Bombay).
He graduated in 1912 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics and Political Science.
Around this time, he also worked in the Baroda State for a brief period, under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad.

3. Higher Studies Abroad – Columbia University, USA (1913–1916)

In 1913, Dr. Ambedkar was awarded a Baroda State Scholarship by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad to pursue higher education abroad.

He joined Columbia University in New York City, USA, in 1913.
At Columbia, he studied under renowned professors like John Dewey, who greatly influenced his ideas on democracy and education.
He earned:
- M.A. in Economics in 1915
  Subjects included Sociology, History, Philosophy, and Politics.
- Ph.D. in Economics in 1917
  His doctoral thesis was titled “The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India”.

This phase exposed him to modern liberal ideas, democratic thought, and social reform movements in the West.

4. London School of Economics and Gray’s Inn (1916–1923)

After Columbia, he moved to London in 1916 to pursue further studies.

He enrolled at:
- London School of Economics (LSE) for advanced studies in economics
- Gray’s Inn to train as a barrister-at-law
Due to financial constraints, he returned to India in 1917 without completing his degrees. However, he went back to London in 1920 after securing funds and completed:
- D.Sc. (Doctor of Science) in Economics from LSE (1923)
  - Thesis: “The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution”
- Bar-at-Law from Gray’s Inn (1923)

He became one of the first Indians (and first Dalit) to earn doctorates from both Columbia University and the LSE, and to be called to the Bar in London.

5. Honorary Degrees and Recognitions

Columbia University posthumously awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LL.D.) in 1952, recognizing his work in law, social reform, and the Constitution.
He was fluent in English, Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit, and had exposure to Pali (Buddhist language).
He had deep knowledge of law, economics, sociology, history, political science, religion, and philosophy.

Dr. Ambedkar’s Entry into Social Activism and Political Career

Background: Why Social Activism?

After facing humiliation, caste discrimination, and social exclusion throughout his childhood and youth, Dr. Ambedkar realized that education alone was not enough. Social and political action was necessary to bring real change to Indian society.

After returning from London in 1923, he began dedicating his life to the upliftment of the Dalits (then called ‘Untouchables’), who were denied basic human rights.

I. Social Activism (1924 onwards)

1. Establishment of Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1924)

Founded in Bombay in 1924.
Purpose: To promote education, upliftment, and rights of the ‘Bahishkrit’ (excluded or untouchable) communities.
Motto: “Educate, Agitate, Organize.”
Organized schools, hostels, and libraries for Dalits.

This was Ambedkar’s formal entry into public life, with a focus on reform from the grassroots.

2. Mahad Satyagraha (1927)

Held at Mahad, Maharashtra, where Dalits were denied the right to drink water from a public tank.
Dr. Ambedkar led a protest where he and thousands of Dalits drank water from the ‘Chavdar Tank’ to assert their right to equality.
This act was revolutionary—it openly challenged caste-based untouchability.

Later, copies of the Manusmriti (ancient Hindu law text) were burned by Dr. Ambedkar in protest of its discriminatory content.

3. Kalaram Temple Entry Movement (1930)

Took place in Nashik, where Dalits were not allowed to enter the Kalaram Temple.
Dr. Ambedkar led a massive campaign demanding temple entry rights for Dalits.
The movement lasted several years and symbolized equal spiritual rights.

II. Political Career and Leadership

1. Round Table Conferences (1930–1932)

Dr. Ambedkar was invited to represent Depressed Classes at the Round Table Conferences in London (organized by the British government).
He demanded:
- Separate electorates for Dalits (just like Muslims, Sikhs, etc.)
- Political representation and protection

This brought him into conflict with Mahatma Gandhi, who opposed separate electorates for Dalits.

2. Poona Pact (1932)

After Gandhi began a fast-unto-death opposing separate electorates, a compromise was reached between Gandhi and Ambedkar.
Poona Pact replaced separate electorates with reserved seats for Dalits in general electorates.
Though Dr. Ambedkar agreed reluctantly, it was a major political development.

3. Formation of Political Parties

a. Independent Labour Party (1936):

Ambedkar formed this party to fight for labor rights, peasants, and Dalits.
In 1937 Bombay elections, the party won 15 seats.
It became a platform for anti-caste and pro-labor politics.

b. Scheduled Castes Federation (1942):

Formed to represent Dalits nationally.
It was a response to the growing influence of the Indian National Congress, which Dr. Ambedkar believed was not doing enough for Dalits.

4. Constitution-Making Role (1947–1950)

After India’s independence in 1947, Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India.
He became India’s first Law Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
He was responsible for:
- Including Fundamental Rights.
- Abolition of untouchability (Article 17).
- Guaranteeing equality before law, freedom of religion, and social justice.

5. Later Political Career

Resigned from the Cabinet in 1951 due to the lack of progress on the Hindu Code Bill, which he had introduced to give women equal property rights and legal equality.
Founded the Republican Party of India (RPI) in 1956 (launched after his death).
In his later years, he focused more on religious and cultural activism, leading to his conversion to Buddhism.

Summary

Year	Event
1924	Founded Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha
1927	Led Mahad Satyagraha
1930	Kalaram Temple Entry Movement
1932	Poona Pact with Gandhi
1936	Formed Independent Labour Party
1942	Scheduled Castes Federation
1947	Appointed Law Minister, Chairman of Constitution Drafting Committee
1951	Resigned from Cabinet
1956	Converted to Buddhism, announced Republican Party of India

Dr. Ambedkar’s social activism and political leadership were deeply interconnected. He used constitutional methods, mass movements, and political institutions to challenge the caste system and advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity.