‘Man is a factor in the making of history’ is truly quoted by a man who himself created history by drafting the lengthiest constitution in the world. The life of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is a saga of great struggles, despite being born into an untouchable Hindu family, rose to be recognised as the “Chief Architect of Indian Constitution”. So, how can we not discuss such an outstanding personality? We are sure as a lawyer, you can relate to this very well. Therefore, this Ambedkar Jayanti, we will shed some light on the journey of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, his significant contributions, and his struggles for the oppressed section of society.
Who was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
We have an intellectual giant and political figure in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who is not only a campaigner against the caste system and a brave warrior for the rights of the oppressed in India, but also whose achievement in the shape of the Constitution of India will be treasured eternally by future generations.
He served as the First Law Minister of an Independent India and was an eminent economist, a great philosopher, and a social reformer.
Unveiling of India’s tallest Statue of Ambedkar
It is a matter of pride for the entire nation to honour the legacy of our leaders and respect Indian history.
At this juncture, it’s worthy to note that to remark on the 132nd birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar, 125-ft tall bronze statue of the ‘Architect of the Constitution’ is set to be unveiled by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.
The statue is situated in the heart of Hyderabad, on the banks of Hussainsagar. This grand ceremonial event is expected to be attended by Prakash Ambedkar, Grandson of Dr. Ambedkar as Cheif Guest and various other political leaders wherein Ram Vanji Sutar, the sculptor would be felicitated.
B.R. Ambedkar’s Early Life and Education
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Born to Ramji Sakpal and Bheema Bai on 14 April 1891 in Hindu Mahar Caste that was considered “untouchable”, he faced humiliation and degradation by the upper strata of the society. In 1907, he passed the matriculation exams from Elphinston High School. Thereafter, at the age of 16 years, he married Rami Bai.
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It is interesting to know that Sir Sayajirao Gaekward, ruler of Baroda, granted him a scholarship to pursue a B.A. degree and later sent him to the United States of America to study at Columbia University to complete it his M.A. course. He also completed his bar at law.
Source: Indian Express
B.R. Ambedkar’s Contribution to Indian Constitution
Dr. Ambedkar is often recognized as 'a man who turned the wheel of law towards social justice for all'. So long as the Indian Constitution survives, the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar will remain immortal.
Owing to his diverse knowledge in law and understanding of different Constitutions worldwide, he was appointed as Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
In Ambedkar's opinion, the Constitution was more than just the fundamental legal framework governing the nation; instead, it was also an instrument for the advancement of the country, highlighting the best aspects of its earlier traditions while being flexible enough to meet present-day demands and those of the coming decades.
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Incorporation of Fundamental Rights – Dr. Ambedkar played a pivotal role while incorporating the provisions of fundamental rights such as Abolition of Untouchability, freedom of religion, etc into Indian Constitution. He also advocated for social and economic rights of women. He referred to Article 32 (judicial protection of fundamental rights) as the “heart and soul of Indian Constitution”.
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Reservation scheme to protect the interest of minorities – He always advocated for the rights of minorities who were suppressed by the majority and was against ‘Majoritarianism Syndrome’. Therefore, he incorporated some provisions in Part III and Party IV of the Indian Constitution to protect minorities, SC’s/ST’s and OBC and implemented a reservation policy for at least 10 years to ameliorate the conditions of the vulnerable sections of Hindu society.
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Powerful Central Government – He supported the foundation of a strong and powerful central government as a means to lessen the influence of casteism, although he approved the idea of a federal nation.
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Socio-Democratic Government– In the words of Babasaheb, ‘social democracy means a way of life which recognizes liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life’. Political leaders dedicated to upholding the interests of the underprivileged and depressed classes and powerful and extremely accountable opposition groups were Dr. Ambedkar's idea of social democracy.
Source: GConnect
Books written by BR Ambedkar
He was popularly known as ‘Modern Manu’, for his extensive writing throughout his life in order to bring socio-economic reforms. The publications and lectures of Dr. Ambedkar, which represent his principles, are immensely important for understanding the development of social philosophy in India. Some of his prominent writings or other books are:
and many more...
Source: the wire
Significant Facts related to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
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In the year 1932, Ambedkar signed and entered into the Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi which resulted in reservation for the underprivileged in government jobs.
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He founded the "Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (Outcastes Welfare Association)" in 1923 to promote education and culture among the oppressed, enhance their economic standing, and bring up issues relating to their difficulties in appropriate forums in order to draw attention and resolve them.
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On June 20 1946, he founded the People’s Education Society which started a college, Siddharth, with a view to promote higher education among the lower middle classes.
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Under V.P. Singh Government, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was honored with ‘Bharat Ratna’, the highest civilian award in the year 1990.
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On 20th April 2015, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Dr. Ambedkar International Centre and while paying homage asserted that Babasaheb had created great Constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission and Finance Commission, in which the entire nation had immense faith and confidence even today.
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The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, on March 24, 1992, established Dr. Ambedkar Foundation to oversee the implementation of programmes and activities to further Babasaheb's ideology and message.
The biography of Dr B.R. Ambedkar is important from the viewpoint of forthcoming competitive exams and constitutes a significant part of the development of Indian history. Therefore, go through these FAQs.
FAQs
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Who was the first Law Minister of Independent India, and who recommended his appointment?
Answer – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the first Law Minister of Independent India and Jawahar Lal Nehru recommended his appointment in the new cabinet.
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When did Ambedkar die?
Answer – In the early morning of 06th December, 1956, Dr. Ambedkar peacefully passed away in sleep.
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Who is known as the Father of Indian Constitution?
Answer – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is famously known as Father/Chief Architect of Indian Constitution because of his significant contribution in framing the constitution.
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What was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar religion?
Answer – He was born in an untouchable Hindu Family. However, frustrated by the caste system of Hinduism, he converted to Buddhism in the year 1956.