BR Ambedkar

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as BR Ambedkar, was a social reformer, jurist, economist, and politician who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. He is widely regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution and a champion of the rights of the Dalits or the untouchables. In this article, we will take a closer look at his early life, education, professional life, and achievements.

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BR Ambedkar

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as BR Ambedkar, was a social reformer, jurist, economist, and politician who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. He is widely regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution and a champion of the rights of the Dalits or the untouchables. In this article, we will take a closer look at his early life, education, professional life, and achievements.

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Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an eminent Indian figure, left an indelible mark on the nation’s history through his multifaceted contributions as a jurist, economist, social reformer, and political leader. His pivotal role in drafting the Constitution of India, his service as the Law and Justice minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s first cabinet, and his inspiration behind the Dalit Buddhist movement after renouncing Hinduism have forever shaped the socio-political landscape of the country.

Ambedkar’s intellectual journey began after completing his education at Elphinstone College, University of Bombay. Driven by his thirst for knowledge, he pursued further studies in economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, earning doctorates from both institutions in the 1920s. His achievements were noteworthy, considering that only a handful of Indian students had accomplished such feats during that time.

In addition to his expertise in economics, Ambedkar also honed his legal acumen at Gray’s Inn, London. Early in his career, he established himself as an economist, professor, and lawyer. However, his true calling lay in championing the rights of marginalized communities and spearheading social reforms. As his political involvement deepened, he actively campaigned for and negotiated the partition of India, published journals advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and played a vital role in the establishment of the Indian state.

Ambedkar’s transformative journey took a profound turn when he converted to Buddhism in 1956, instigating mass conversions among Dalits. This act marked a significant milestone in the history of religious and social movements in India.

Recognizing his monumental contributions, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was posthumously honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1990. His followers reverently salute him with the salutation “Jai Bhim” (Hail Bhim). He is affectionately referred to as Babasaheb, meaning “Respected Father.”

Early Life:
Born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar) in Madhya Pradesh, Ambedkar was the youngest of Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai Sakpal’s fourteen children. Coming from a Marathi background, his family hailed from the town of Ambadawe in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Unfortunately, as members of the Mahar (Dalit) caste, they endured the cruel yoke of untouchability and faced severe socio-economic discrimination.

Ambedkar’s ancestors had long served in the army of the British East India Company, and his father held a position in the British Indian Army at the Mhow cantonment. Despite attending school, young Ambedkar and other untouchable children were subjected to segregation and neglect by their teachers. They were even denied the basic right to sit inside the classroom. Drinking water became an arduous task, requiring someone from a higher caste to pour it from a height, as they were prohibited from touching either the water or the vessel containing it. If no one was available to perform this duty, Ambedkar would go without water, a plight he later described as “No peon, No Water.” He was even compelled to sit on a gunny sack, which he had to carry home with him.

In 1894, Ramji Sakpal retired, and the family relocated to Satara. Tragically, Ambedkar’s mother passed away soon after the move, leaving the children in the care of their paternal aunt amidst challenging circumstances. Only three of the five siblings—Balaram, Anandrao, and Bhimrao—along with their sisters, Manjula and Tulasa, survived. Among them, Ambedkar was the only one who passed his examinations and went on to attend high school. Interestingly, his original surname was Sakpal, but his father registered his name as Ambadawekar in school, indicating their native village of ‘Ambadawe’ in Ratnagiri district. It was his Marathi Brahmin teacher, Krishnaji Keshav Ambedkar, who changed his surname to ‘Ambedkar’ in school records, bestowing upon him a name that would become synonymous with greatness.

Education:
In 1897, Ambedkar’s family relocated to Mumbai, where he became the only untouchable student enrolled at Elphinstone High School. At the tender age of 15, in accordance with prevailing customs of that time, he entered into an arranged marriage with a nine-year-old girl named Ramabai.

His educational journey continued at the University of Bombay, where he secured admission to Elphinstone College in 1906. As a member of the Mahar caste, Ambedkar proudly claimed to be the first from his community to attend the esteemed college. When he passed his English fourth standard examinations, it was considered a significant achievement by his community, although he felt that the state of education in other communities far surpassed his own. In celebration of his success, a public ceremony was organized, during which he received a biography of the Buddha from Dada Keluskar, an author and family friend.

By 1912, Ambedkar obtained his degree in economics and political science from Bombay University, preparing himself for employment with the Baroda state government. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when his father fell critically ill. Rushing back to Mumbai, Ambedkar had to bid farewell to his ailing father, who passed away on 2 February 1913.