Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1891-1956)
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, social reformer, politician, and architect of the Indian constitution, was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, as the son of a Subhedar-Major in the British army. As he belonged to the Mahar community, considered untouchable, he faced caste discrimination all through his childhood. However, he was a brilliant student, and was determined to do well in his studies. After graduating from Bombay University, he managed to get a scholarship for higher studies in the U.S.A.
On returning to India, Ambedkar obtained a high post with the Maharaja of Baroda because of his impressive academic record. However, he had to face much caste discrimination and humiliation from colleagues and subordinates. He resigned in disgust and returned to Bombay.
In 1920, Ambedkar went to London to train as a barrister. On his return, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (Outcastes' Welfare Association) for uplifting the downtrodden socially and politically. In 1927, he led the Mahad March at the Chowdar Tank at Colaba, near Bombay, to give the untouchables the right to draw water from the public tank which had hitherto been forbidden to them.
In 1936, Ambedkar established a new political party called the Independent Labour Party, devoted to the cause of landless labourers. When the British government held provincial elections in 1937, he and many candidates of his party were elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly.
When India attained independence, Prime Minister Nehru invited Ambedkar to join his Cabinet as a Law Minister. The Constituent Assembly entrusted the job of drafting the Constitution to a committee and Ambedkar was elected as Chairman of this Drafting Committee. With his erudition and wisdom, he proved equal to his stupendous task. The Draft Constitution prepared by him was adopted on November 26, 1949.
Disillusioned with the treatment he had received from caste Hindus, Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in October 1956. Two months later, he passed away.
