Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Biography:- Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a towering figure in Indian history. His relentless struggle against social discrimination and untiring efforts towards the upliftment of the oppressed sections of society earned him the title of the “Architect of the Indian Constitution.” Born into a marginalized community, Ambedkar’s life journey is not just a biography but a testament to the power of education, determination, and the fight for justice.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Bio
Main Contents
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar held the esteemed position of being the inaugural Law Minister of independent India, heralded as the architect of the Indian Constitution. He was not just a legal luminary but also a pioneering social reformer, an eminent economist, a political philosopher, a rational thinker, a prolific writer and orator, and a revered educator of history. His influence transcended boundaries, illuminating not only the path for Dalits but also for all oppressed communities. Following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stands as a towering figure in the annals of post-independence India. Let us delve into the remarkable life and accomplishments of Dr. Ambedkar, a visionary whose tireless dedication sculpted the contours of society.
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Bhimrao Ambedkar Biography Overview
| Name | Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar |
| Born | April 14, 1891 |
| Place | Mau, Uttar Pradesh State, (now Madhya Pradesh), British India |
| Occupation | Law Minister of India, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India |
| Died | December 6, 1956 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Category | Trending |
Birth & Early Life
Ambedkar entered the world on April 14, 1891, in the bustling town and military cantonment of Mhow, now officially recognized as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, situated in what is presently Madhya Pradesh. He was the youngest of fourteen children born to Ramji Maloji Sakpal, an esteemed army officer holding the rank of Subedar, and Bhimabai Sakpal, daughter of Laxman Murbadkar. Hailing from Ambadawe in the Ratnagiri district of modern-day Maharashtra, his family had a proud Marathi heritage. However, Ambedkar was born into the Mahar community, commonly known as Dalits, who suffered under the yoke of untouchability and faced systemic socio-economic discrimination.
Generations of Ambedkar’s forebears had dutifully served in the army of the British East India Company, with his father continuing this tradition as a member of the British Indian Army stationed at the Mhow cantonment. Despite attending school, young Ambedkar and other Dalit children were subjected to segregation and neglect by teachers. They were forbidden from sitting inside classrooms and had to rely on someone from a higher caste to pour water for them from a height, as they were deemed untouchable. Ambedkar vividly described this ordeal in his later writings as “No peon, No Water.” Forced to sit on a gunny sack, he endured such indignities on a daily basis.
In 1894, Ramji Sakpal retired, prompting the family’s relocation to Satara two years later. Tragically, soon after their move, Ambedkar’s mother passed away, leaving the children under the care of their paternal aunt in challenging circumstances. Among his siblings, only Ambedkar managed to pass his examinations and pursue high school education. Initially registered as Ambadawekar, a nod to their ancestral village ‘Ambadawe,’ his surname was later altered to Ambedkar in school records by his Marathi Brahmin teacher, Krishnaji Keshav Ambedkar, thereby marking a significant juncture in his identity.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Education
In 1897, Ambedkar’s family moved to Mumbai, where he became the only untouchable student at Elphinstone High School. At just 15, around 1906, he entered an arranged marriage with Ramabai, a nine-year-old, following the customs of their community. He excelled academically, passing his matriculation exam in 1907 and becoming the first from his Mahar caste to attend Elphinstone College, affiliated with the University of Bombay. Despite facing discrimination, he achieved remarkable academic success, including earning a degree in economics and political science in 1912.
In 1913, he was awarded a Baroda State Scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies at Columbia University in New York City. There, he completed his M.A., influenced by John Dewey’s ideas, and presented significant papers on caste dynamics and ancient Indian commerce. He later earned his Ph.D. in economics in 1927. While studying law at Gray’s Inn and the London School of Economics, Ambedkar experienced setbacks, including the loss of his books in a shipwreck. Nonetheless, he persevered, obtaining a master’s degree in 1921 and a D.Sc. in Economics in 1923. That same year, he was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn, marking the culmination of his academic and legal pursuits.
Traveling to the USA for Higher Education
With support from King Shayaji Rao of Baroda, B.R. Ambedkar journeyed to America for studies. He enrolled at Columbia University, delving into economics, politics, philosophy, and sociology, marking him as the first Indian to pursue higher education in the United States. In 1915, he earned his master’s degree for his thesis on “The Trade of Ancient India.” Subsequently, his research paper, “Indian Profit Share: A Historical Analysis,” garnered him another degree from Columbia. He furthered his academic journey, obtaining an MA in 1921 for his work on “Decentralization of Public Finance in British India” and a DSc in 1923 for his investigation into “The Problem of the Rupee.” Later, he also earned a law degree.
Social Work
Upon his return to India in 1923, Ambedkar actively engaged in the struggle against British imperialism. He advocated for economic and social reforms to empower the marginalized and established the Bahiskrita Hitakarini Sabha in 1924 to uplift the downtrodden. Emphasizing social rights and education for the oppressed, he declared his commitment to fighting for justice and self-government. His advocacy for proportional representation and special voting rights for the oppressed led to the Poona Pact in 1931, resolving the issue of representation.
Campaign Against Untouchability
Bhimrao Ambedkar initiated the fight against untouchability in 1927, vehemently opposing the caste system and atrocities faced by lower-class individuals. He led successful protests, including the 1930 Nashik Temple admission protest, and introduced the Abolition of Untouchability Act. In 1956, he embraced Buddhism, viewing it as a solution to social inequality.
Contribution to India’s Political System
Appointed as India’s Law Minister upon independence, Bhimrao Ambedkar played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution. Serving as the President of the Indian Constituent Assembly, he presented the Constitution to Parliament in 1949. Despite resigning from his position in 1951 due to disagreements with Nehru, his contribution to India’s political system remains monumental.
Embrace of Buddhism
Recognizing Hinduism as a hindrance to his social reforms, Ambedkar turned to Buddhism. He attended international Buddhist conferences, established the Bharatiya Buddhist Mahasabha in 1955, and authored “Buddha and His Dhamma” in 1956. On October 14, 1956, he formally converted to Buddhism, marking a significant moment in his spiritual journey.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Death
In 1955, Ambedkar’s health deteriorated significantly due to his diabetes. On December 6, 1956, Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a champion of the oppressed, passed away peacefully in his Delhi residence while asleep. Due to his deep involvement in Buddhism, his funeral rites followed Buddhist customs and took place at Dadar Chowpati beach. Posthumously, he was honored with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1990.
Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the brilliant legal mind behind the drafting of India’s constitution, was born into a marginalized community. With a profound understanding of economics, politics, history, philosophy, and law, he revolutionized the traditional narrative of Indian society. A tireless social activist and unparalleled leader, he illuminated the path for the oppressed, embodying the dawn of a new era for marginalized communities. To say that he set an example for all is not an exaggeration but a testament to his enduring legacy.
Conclusion
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s life journey, from his birth into oppression to his transformative education and unwavering advocacy for social justice, stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Despite facing systemic barriers, he rose as a legal luminary, shaping India’s Constitution and championing the rights of the marginalized. His profound impact on society echoes through generations, underscoring the enduring quest for equality. His legacy, marked by resilience and relentless pursuit of equity, continues to inspire global movements for justice.
FAQ’s
What is the birth and death of BR Ambedkar?
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (April 14, 1891 – December 6, 1956) was a prominent figure in India, hailed as a leader of the Dalits (formerly untouchables) and served as the law minister of the Indian government from 1947 to 1951.
What is the education of Dr B.R. Ambedkar?
Dr. Ambedkar completed his undergraduate studies at Bombay University in 1912, earning a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. Recognizing his academic prowess, in 1913, he received a scholarship from Sayajirao Gaikwad, the Maharaja of Baroda state, to pursue his M.A. and Ph.D. at Columbia University in New York, USA.
Where was Dr. Ambedkar birth?
Babasaheb Ambedkar was born in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India, on April 14, 1891. This significant location serves as the birthplace of Babasaheb Ambedkar, a pivotal figure in Indian history.
What is the birth history of Bhimrao Ambedkar?
Ambedkar entered the world on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, a town and military cantonment (now officially recognized as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar) in present-day Madhya Pradesh. He was the youngest of fourteen children born to Ramji Maloji Sakpal, a Subedar in the army, and Bhimabai Sakpal, daughter of Laxman Murbadkar.
Why is Bhimrao Ambedkar so famous?
Ambedkar gained renown for his pivotal role in drafting the Constitution of India and his advocacy for marginalized communities, particularly the Backward Classes. His scholarly pursuits were equally renowned; Dr. Bhimarao Ambedkar was proficient in nine languages and dedicated over two decades to studying various religions.
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