Essays

Respect follows his name everywhere. The leader who tried to turn the wheel of the law towards social justice for all and the architect who played a great role in framing the Indian Constitution-Dr B R Ambedkar's name is an example of steely grit and iron-willed character. A well-known politician and an eminent jurist, Ambedkar's efforts to eradicate the social evils like untouchablity and caste restrictions were remarkable. Appointed as the first Law Minister in the free India, he was posthumously awarded with India’s highest civilian honor the Bharat Ratna.

Popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bhimrao Ambedkar was born to Bhimabai Sakpal and Ramji on 14 April 1891 in Madhya Pradesh. He was the fourteenth child of his parents. Since childhood, Ambedkar was a victim of caste discrimination. His parents hailed from the Hindu Mahar caste, which was viewed as "untouchable" by the upper class. Due to this, Ambedkar had to face severe discriminations from every corner of the society.   The discrimination and humiliation haunted Ambedkar even at school as untouchable students were often asked by the teacher to sit outside the class. In 1908, Ambedkar got the opportunity to study at the Elphinstone College and later went for higher studies to the USA.

After returning to India, Bhimrao Ambedkar decided to fight against the caste discrimination that almost fragmented the entire nation. This led to the upsurge of Dalit Movement through which he favored the concept of reservations for Dalits and other backward communities.

In 1936, Ambedkar founded the Independent Labor Party which initiated his political career. In 1937 elections to the Central Legislative Assembly, his party won 15 seats. Ambedkar oversaw the transformation of his political party into the All India Scheduled Castes Federation.

His reputation as a scholar led to his appointment as free India's first Law Minister and as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee. He was also a noted scholar and an eminent jurist, Ambedkar emphasized on the construction of a virtual bridge between the classes of the society. According to him, it would be difficult to maintain the unity of the country if the difference among the classes were not met.

Around 1950, Ambedkar wrote a book on Buddhism "The Buddha or Karl Marx" and soon converted himself to Buddhism, in the backdrop of his disgust towards Hindu caste divisions.

During 1954-55, Ambedkar suffered from serious health problems including diabetes and weak eyesight. On 6 December 1956, he breathed his last at his home in Delhi- A Buddhist-style cremation was organized for him and the ceremony was attended by hundreds of thousands of supporters, activists and admirers.

The leader, throughout his life, fought for the rights of dalits and other socially backward classes. Framing the Constitution and guiding it through to adoption was his greatest political achievement. Owing to his immense contributions, Dr B R Ambedkar’s name is firmly imprinted on the stands of history.