The Life Story of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

 

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a social reformer and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. His struggle against injustice and his contributions to social justice continue to inspire millions of people today. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in the town of Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, India. He waged a relentless battle against the caste system and raised his voice for the rights of Dalits. He established himself as an influential figure in Indian politics.

In his early life, Dr. Ambedkar had to endure severe hardships, humiliation, and social stigma. He was strictly forbidden from drinking water at public places. Despite these obstacles, he graduated from Elphinstone College in Mumbai and subsequently enrolled at Columbia University in 1913 for higher education. The academic environment there and his passion for books broadened his intellectual horizons. During his student years, he internalized patriotic ideals and values, which shaped him into a staunch patriot.

Bhimrao Ambedkar inspired the Dalit-Buddhist movement and fought against the social discrimination faced by Untouchables. In 1956, he embraced Buddhism, leading to the mass conversion of Dalits. In 1990, he was posthumously awarded the 'Bharat Ratna,' India's highest civilian honor. Dr. Ambedkar uplifted the Dalit community within Indian society and secured equal treatment and rights for them. He was the only leader to establish reserved seats and constituencies for Dalits.

Ambedkar experienced the painful reality of untouchability during his childhood. He was often denied access to public amenities—such as obtaining water—made to sit separately in school, and subjected to scornful treatment by teachers and classmates. This caste-based injustice deeply affected him, instilling a firm resolve to fight for the dignity and rights of society. After completing his matriculation in 1907, he enrolled at Elphinstone College and obtained a degree. In 1913, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda awarded him a scholarship to pursue higher education in the United States.

Dr. Ambedkar's educational journey began at Elphinstone High School in Mumbai, where he was one of the few Dalit students. Despite facing discrimination, he excelled in his studies; this success paved the way for his admission to Elphinstone College and, subsequently, to Columbia University in New York. Later, in 1916, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar traveled to London to pursue higher education and legal studies, enrolling at the London School of Economics. He returned to India in the early 1920s after completing his education abroad. It was during this period that he abolished the caste system.

The Mahad Satyagraha, held on March 20, 1927, was the most significant Satyagraha led by Dr. Ambedkar. The primary objective of this movement was to assert the right of Dalits to use public water tanks, as they were strictly prohibited from accessing these facilities due to caste-based discrimination. Dr. Ambedkar led thousands of Dalits in this 'Chavdar Tale' (Chavdar Tank) Satyagraha in the town of Mahad, Maharashtra, challenging the caste-based ban on water usage.

The 'Poona Pact' was a significant agreement achieved by Dr. Ambedkar. Initially, Dr. Ambedkar had secured 'separate electorates' for Dalits; however, Mahatma Gandhi opposed this, fearing it would cause a rift within Hindu society. After a series of events, a compromise was reached between Dr. Ambedkar and Gandhi, which is known as the 'Poona Pact'. Under this agreement, instead of separate electorates, a provision was made for reserved seats for Dalits within general constituencies.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar established the 'Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha' in 1924; the objective of this organization was to spread education among Dalits and improve their economic condition. He launched newspapers such as 'Mooknayak', 'Bahishkrit Bharat', and 'Janata' to highlight the issues and problems faced by Dalits. Similarly, through the 'Kalaram Temple Entry Satyagraha' of 1930, Ambedkar secured the right for Dalits to enter Hindu temples.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar recognized the need for legal avenues to achieve social reform and represented the Dalits before British officials. He participated in the Round Table Conferences in London and demanded separate electorates to secure political representation for Dalits. Ambedkar's efforts led to the 'Poona Pact' of 1932, which provided for reserved seats for Dalits within general constituencies. One of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's most significant and invaluable contributions to Indian politics was the role he played as the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly's 'Drafting Committee'; this committee was entrusted with the responsibility of drafting the Indian Constitution. 

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar developed an interest in Buddhism early in his career; in his quest for social justice and equality, he had studied various religions. On October 14, 1956, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar embraced Buddhism. This decision was not merely a matter of personal preference but also a political and social step taken to oppose the Hindu caste system. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar propagated Buddhism throughout his life. His conversion to the religion had an impact on Indian society and politics. the event inspired Dalits to embrace Buddhism and gave rise to the 'Dalit-Buddhist movement,' which continues to this day.

Towards the end of his life, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar took the historic decision to embrace Buddhism. Disillusioned by the discrimination based on the caste system within Hinduism, he sought a path aligned with his ideals of equality and social justice. As early as 1935, at the Provincial Conference of the Depressed Classes in Yeola, Ambedkar had declared, "Though I was born a Hindu, I will not die a Hindu.". Even after his conversion, he continued to propagate Buddhist teachings, placing special emphasis on the message of equality. Ambedkar also authored the book ‘The Buddha and His Dhamma’, in which he viewed Buddhism as a philosophy capable of bringing about social transformation.

Education

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include storytelling, discussion, teaching, training, and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, however learners may also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal or informal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered educational. The methodology of teaching is called pedagogy.

Formal education is commonly divided formally into such stages as preschool or kindergarten, primary school, secondary school and then college, university, or apprenticeship.

A right to education has been recognized by some governments and the United Nations.In most regions, education is compulsory up to a certain age.Education began in prehistory, as adults trained the young in the knowledge and skills deemed necessary in their society. In pre-literate societies, this was achieved orally and through imitation. Story-telling passed knowledge, values, and skills from one generation to the next. As cultures began to extend their knowledge beyond skills that could be readily learned through imitation, formal education developed. Schools existed in Egypt at the time of the Middle Kingdom.

Matteo Ricci (left) and Xu Guangqi (right) in the Chinese edition of Euclid's Elements published in 1607

Plato founded the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in Europe. The city of Alexandria in Egypt, established in 330 BCE, became the successor to Athens as the intellectual cradle of Ancient Greece. There, the great Library of Alexandria was built in the 3rd century BCE. European civilizations suffered a collapse of literacy and organization following the fall of Rome in CE 476.

In China, Confucius (551–479 BCE), of the State of Lu, was the country's most influential ancient philosopher, whose educational outlook continues to influence the societies of China and neighbours like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Confucius gathered disciples and searched in vain for a ruler who would adopt his ideals for good governance, but his Analects were written down by followers and have continued to influence education in East Asia into the modern era.