B.R. Ambedkar:
The Dalit Buddhist movement was inspired by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14
April 1891- 6 December 1956), an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and
social reformer who also supported the rights of women and workers and
battled against societal discrimination against Untouchables
(Dalits).
He served as the nation's first law minister after independence, served
as the Constitution of India's primary drafter, and was one of the country's founding fathers.
Dr BR Ambedkar's Contribution and biography are an important part
of Indian polity, an important subject in the UPSC Syllabus. Students can
also go for the UPSC Mock Test for more preparation accuracy.
Bhimrao Ramj Ambedkar:
Babasaheb Ambedkar, also known as Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, was a key
figure in the creation of the Indian Cnstitution. He served
as India's first law minister and is regarded as the father of
the Indian Constitution. He served as the new Constitution drafting
committee's chairman. In March 1927, he led the Mahad Satyagraha
against upper-caste Hindus who disagreed with the Municipal Board's
decision.
B.R. Ambedkar Early Life:
BR Ambedkar refused to let the constraints of his upbringing
stand in the way of obtaining a top-notch education and raising
the standard for academic success. Babasaheb was born into the
Hindu Mahar caste, which was derided as ''untouchable'' by the
upper elite of the time. He received his doctorate from the
London School of Economics and a law degree from Lincoln
cementing his position as an outstanding scholar for his work in
the fields of law, economics, and political science. He wore
various hats in his early career, including economist, lecturer,
and lawyer.
Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in the Madhya Pradesh town and
military cantonment of Mhow (formally known as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar
today). Ambedkar's forefather had long served in the British East
India Compay's armed forces, and his father was a British Indian
Army soldier stationed at the Mhow cantonment. When he was younger,
he experienced casteism at school because other children like him
weren't permitted to sit in the class.
B.R. Ambedkar Education:
Ambedkar was a gifted young man who did well in school. He
completed his matriculation test in 1907, and the following
year, he enrolled in Elphinstone College, a University of
Bombay affiliate, becoming, in his estimation, the first
member of his Mahar caste to do so. He graduated from Bombay
University in 1912 with a degree in economics and political
science and was then ready to start working for the Baroda
state administration.
Sayajirao Gaekwad (Gaekwad of Baroda) launched a program in
1913, when Ambedkar was 22 years old, to give possibilities
for postgraduate study at Columbia University in New York
City. The Baroda State Scholarship was granted for three
years. He earned his second M.A. in 1916, and in 1927,
Columbia awarded him his Ph.D. in economics. The problem of
untouchability still affects his life in India after
returning, despite his high level of education. Due to people
objecting to his lower caste, he was unsuccessful at a number
of professions, including one as a professor.
B.R. Ambedkar Political Journey:
Ambedkar established the Independent Labour Party in
1936, and it ran in the 1937 Bombay election for the 13
reserved and 4 general sets, winning 11 and 3 seats,
respectively. On May 15, 1936, Ambedkar released his
book Annihilation of Caste. It contained ''a rebuke of
Gandhi'' on the matter and harshly criticised Hindu
orthodox religious leaders and the caste structure in
general.
Ambedkar introduced a bill in the Bombay Legislative
Assembly in 1937 that sought to end the khoti system by
establishing a direct line of communication between the
government and farmers. Ambedkar held the position of
minister for labour and served on the Viceroy's
Executive Council and Defence Advisory Committee.
Ambedkar wrote a 400-page essay titled ''Thoughts on
Pakistan'' in response to the Muslim League's Lahore
resolution (1940), which demanded Pakistan and examined
the idea of ''Pakistan'' from all angles.
Ambedkar argued that the Hindus should allow the
Muslims to exercise authority over Pakistan. Ambedkar
also disapproved of South Asian Muslims' use of Islam.
He denounced child marriage and the exploitation of
women in Muslim society while defending the Partition of
India.
B.R. Ambedkar and India's Constitution:
Dr Ambedkar was given a huge task during India's tryst with
destiny, as the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru talked eloquently about the
crucial moment of India's independence. He was named Chairman of the Constitution
Drafting Committee on August 29, 1947.
He created a pluralistic and inclusive Constitution that continues
to guide and inspire India today, ensuring that all citizens enjoy equal opportunity and
the right to express their faith and beliefs in a secular democracy.
The revolutionary spirit of Dr Ambdekar, which is represented in the
Indian Constitution, has been evoked by renowned historian Granville
Austin. According to Austin the majority of Indian constitutional provisions, ''either directly advances the
goal of social revolution or attempt to foster this revolution by
establishing conditions necessary for its accomplishment''.
Untouchability was eradicated and all types of discrimination were
made illegal by the Constitution, which was drafted
under Dr Ambdekar's direction. An ardent supporter of the rights of
women, minorities, and those from disadvantaged social backgrounds,
he persuaded the Constituent Assembly to support the introduction of
a system of job reservations for members of Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, and other Backward Classes.
Later, the Indian government adopted affirmative action policies that
reflected this. Dr Ambdekar, a learned economist and institution-builder, was
instrumental in the creation of the Finance Commission of India and
the author of numerous academic economics treatises. His theories
also served as the basis for the Reserve Bank of India's establishment as India's central bank. While Dr Ambdekar accomplishments were numerous and varied, his inner
life was more abundant and characterized by spiritual vigour. He
changed to Buddhism in 1956.
B.R. Ambedkar Death Anniversary:
The death anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, a key architect of
the Indian constitution and a champion of social justice, is
commemorated annually. This solemn occasion, observed on December 6,
marks the passing of Dr B.R. Ambdekar in 1956. Remembered for his tireless efforts in
advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, Ambedkar legacy extends beyond legal frameworks to social reform.
On this day, people reflect on his contributions to the upliftment
of Dalits and the underprivileged, emphasizing the ongoing pursuit
of equality and justice in society. It serves as a reminder to
honour Ambedkar's vision for an inclusive and just India.