The Life & Legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

 

HISTORY

B.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956) was a Dalit leader, social reformer, and India’s first law minister. Despite facing caste discrimination, he earned degrees from top global universities. He led Dalit movements, challenged Gandhi on Dalit representation, and played a key role in drafting India’s Constitution, ensuring equality. Disappointed with ongoing discrimination, he embraced Buddhism in 1956 with thousands of followers. His book The Buddha and His Dhamma was published posthumously.

Dalits, historically marginalized in Hindu caste society, are now officially termed Scheduled Castes in India. B.R. Ambedkar led their empowerment, shaping India’s Constitution, which banned untouchability and granted them rights. Despite legal protections, caste divisions persist. K.R. Narayanan (1997–2002) and Ram Nath Kovind (2017–22) were India’s first Dalit presidents.

EARLY LIFE

B.R. Ambedkar  (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, MP) into a Dalit Mahar family. Facing severe caste discrimination in school, he documented his struggles, including the “No peon, No water” ordeal. After his father’s retirement, the family moved to Satara, where his mother passed away. Despite hardships, he was the only sibling to complete high school. His teacher later changed his surname from Ambadawekar to Ambedkar in school records.

In 1897, Ambedkar moved to Mumbai and became the first Dalit at Elphinstone High School. He married Ramabai in 1906. In 1907, he passed his matriculation and later earned a degree in economics and political science from Bombay University in 1912.

Awarded a Baroda State Scholarship in 1913, he studied at Columbia University, earning M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in economics. In 1916, he enrolled at Gray’s Inn and the London School of Economics but returned to India in 1917. He later completed his D.Sc. in Economics from London in 1923 and was called to the Bar.

 

INTERESTING FACTS

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s original surname was Ambadvekar; he belonged to the Mahar caste and faced discrimination.
• In 1955, he proposed the division of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, implemented 45 years later.
• India’s first law minister, he resigned when his women’s rights bill was opposed.
• He contested elections in 1952 and 1954 but never won.
• In 1942, he advocated reducing working hours from 14 to 8 in India.
• First Indian to earn a doctorate in economics abroad.
• Introduced key labor laws for women, including maternity benefits and workplace safety.
• His 1923 Ph.D. thesis influenced all 13 Finance Commission reports.
• Formulated major labor welfare laws, including DA, ESI, PF, and the Minimum Wage Act.
• Enacted Coal Mines Safety and Mica Mines Labor Welfare laws.

 

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Architect of the Indian Constitution – Played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution, ensuring fundamental rights, equality, and social justice.

• Abolition of Untouchability – Led the movement against caste discrimination, resulting in legal provisions to outlaw untouchability.

• India’s First Law Minister – As the first Law Minister, he introduced progressive legal reforms, including protections for marginalized communities and women.

• Economic Reforms – First Indian to earn a doctorate in economics abroad; his research influenced India’s financial policies and economic planning.

• Labor Rights Advocate – Introduced labor welfare laws like the 8-hour workday, provident fund, minimum wages, and maternity benefits.

• Women’s Rights Champion – Advocated for gender equality, proposing laws for maternity benefits, labor welfare, and equal rights in marriage and property.

• Dalit Empowerment – Established several organizations and led movements for Dalit rights, including temple entry and access to public resources.

• Education Reformer – Promoted education for Dalits, established institutions, and emphasized the importance of learning for social upliftment.

• Conversion to Buddhism – In 1956, he embraced Buddhism with thousands of followers, promoting social equality and rejecting caste oppression.

• Proposed State Reorganization – Suggested the division of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, which was implemented decades later for better governance.