Babasaheb Ambedkar

BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR

He dared to fight


Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was born in 1891, in an 'untouchable' caste. He was a bright student in school and encouraged by his teachers. However he had to face insults from peers because of his social background. With persistence and help from some well- meaning people, he became the first matriculate from his community. He went on to study in University of Mumbai, Columbia University in New York and the London School of Economics obtaining multiple degrees including doctorates in political science and economics. He was also admitted to British Bar as a barrister. Back in India he worked as a professor and a lawyer. While pursuing his professional career he started several publications and organizations to fight caste discrimination. He secured affirmative action for untouchables in legislatures and campaigned to open educational institutions for them.


After independence, Ambedkar lead the drafting of the Indian constitution as chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee. Ever concerned with social reform, he declared himself a protestant Hindu and engaged in studies of Buddhism. Finally he embraced Buddhism and converted thousands of his followers to the faith. Babasaheb Ambedkar died in 1956, mourned by thousands. Forty years later, he was posthumously awarded the highest civilian honor of Bharat Ratna (Jewel of India).