Baba Saheb Ambedkar, also known as Dr. BR Ambedkar, was born on 14th April 1891 in Madhya Pradesh and is popularly known for his contribution to the Indian constitution.
Hardships of BR Ambedkar
He and his family faced much discrimination as his parents belonged to a Hindu caste called Mahar. They were considered untouchable by the upper class of society. BR Ambedkar was also humiliated by his school fellows during his early years. He fought against all institutional and social odds.
Education of BR Ambedkar
Later got a scholarship and went to the university of the United States, Britain, and Germany for further studies. In 1917 he earned a doctorate in economics from Columbia University, and in the same year, he returned to India. In 1947 BR Ambedkar became the first law minister of the Government of India. He played an important part in framing the constitution of India.
Contribution of BR Ambedkar
He wanted people to boycott the caste rules, highlighting the discrimination against untouchables or the lower caste people, and he was known as the leader of a scheduled caste.
His famous saying to Dalits holds great importance even in today’s world “Educate, Agitate and Organize.” He stressed education greatly and wanted lower-class people to achieve great success. He saw education as a tool that could empower every citizen of the country.
He also presented the last draft of the constitution in the constituent assembly and was known as the chief architect of the constitution of India. He was the chairman of the drafting committee and a member of other important committees.
He participated in nearly every debate on the constitution. States and minorities were written and submitted by Ambedkar on behalf of the scheduled caste federation party to the constituent assembly sub-committee on fundamental rights. It framed constitutional protection for the scheduled cast community.
He also wrote many books in his life. Some of them are
- Administration and Finance of East India Company
- The development of provincial finance in British India
- The problem with the rupee
- Pakistan and the partition of India
- Annihilation of caste
The people have always appreciated his work. Even the ministry of external affairs has published his writings and speeches. He was also known for his logical arguments in the constituent assembly.
In 2010 while addressing the Indian Parliament, President Barack Obama also summoned Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution towards his homeland by saying
“We believe that no matter who you are or where you come from, every person can fulfil their God-given potential. Just as a Dalit like Doctor Ambedkar could lift himself and pen the words of the constitution that protects the rights of all Indians.
We believe that no matter where you live- whether a village in Punjab or by the lanes of Chandni Chowk, an old section of Kolkata or a new high-rise in Bangalore- every person dissolves the same chance to live in security and dignity, to get an education, to find work, and to give their children a better future”
Death of BR Ambedkar
While writing his manuscript, The Buddha and his Dhamma, Dr Ambedkar, got sick. Since the year 1948, Ambedkar has had diabetes. He remained bedridden from June 1948 to October 1954. Because of the side effects of medicines and bad eyesight. But during the year 1955, his health started to deteriorate. Sadly Ambedkar died in his sleep on 6th December 1956 in Delhi at his residence.
At 26 Alipur Road, Delhi house, a memorial has been established for Dr. Ambedkar. Dr. Ambedkar’s Birthday is a public holiday known as Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti on 14th April.
Ambedkar was also awarded the most prestigious award, the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award in 1990. Ambedkar was also voted “The Greatest Indian” in the 2012 poll organized by History TV18 channel and CNN IBN. He had 20 million votes in the poll and surpassed Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru.
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