Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar born to Shri Ramji Sukhpal and Bhimabai on 14th April 1891 in Madhya Pradesh was a well known Indian Jurist, Political leader, Philosopher, Anthropologist, Historian, and Editor. He was also the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of Indian Constitution and was chiefly responsible for drafting of The Constitution of India. He is rightly called the Father of Indian Constitution.
His efforts for the upliftment of the weaker sections of society and remove the social evils like untouchability and cast restrictions were remarkable. He fought for the rights of the dalits and other socially backward classes throughout his life. According to him, it would be difficult to maintain the unity of the country if the difference among the classes were not met.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s biography tells about his personal background. He belonged to a deprived Magar family which was considered as untouchable segment of the society at that time. He experienced caste discrimination right from his childhood. His low caste by birth was a cause of his disgrace, hardships and humiliation. Dr. Ambedkar was deeply hurt by the casteism prevalent in Indian society. Therefore, in the later stage of his life, he adapted Buddhism and raised a campaign against the social unfairness or bigotry in the society because of the caste system. . He worked as a spark and for transforming more than hundred untouchables in the hindu society known as dalits to Theravada Buddhism. He was popularly called Baba Saheb and viewed as the savior of the dalits and the downtrodden in India. After his death, Ambedkar was honoured with the highest civilian Award in India, Bharat Ratna in the year 1990 for his selfless service to the nation. He was the first person belonging to the so called outcaste to get college education at that time in India. In spite of the financial as well as the social constraints he earned law degree and doctorate degree from London school of Economics and Columbia University and was called to the Bar from the Gray’s Inn. His research work was on law and political science and economics.
After his return to India in 1923, he founded ‘Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha’ with the main goal of spreading education & improving the economic conditions of the depressed classes. With the slogan of ‘Educate-Agitate-Organize’, the social movement led by Dr. Ambedkar aimed at Annihilation of Caste & the Reconstruction of Indian Society on the basis of equality of human beings.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life is an example to others. He had proven how men born in humble surroundings could rise up in life, by sheer hard-work, sincerity and steadfastness. Very hardly ever we get such individuals of unique quality in history.