The 130th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, a multifaceted personality with various roles such as social reformer, jurist, economist, author, polyglot, orator, and scholar of comparative religions was celebrated nationwide on 14th April 2021.
Profile of Dr. B R Ambedkar
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly referred to as Babasaheb, was born in 1891 in the Central Province of Mhow (now Madhya Pradesh). Recognized as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and India’s first Law Minister, he chaired the Drafting Committee for the new Constitution. Renowned for championing the rights of the Dalits (untouchables) and other socially backward classes, Ambedkar has left an indelible mark on the social fabric of the nation.
Major Contributions
Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927 against upper-caste Hindus opposing the Municipal Board’s resolution to open up the Mahad tank for all communities. He was a key figure in all three Round Table Conferences, and in 1932, signed the Poona pact with Mahatma Gandhi. The pact resulted in increased seats for the depressed classes in provincial legislatures and the Central Legislature.
Influence on Indian Economy
Ambedkar’s ideas presented to the Hilton Young Commission formed the cornerstone of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country’s central banking institution.
Political Journey
In 1936, Ambedkar was elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly as a legislator. Subsequently, in 1942, he was appointed to the Executive Council of the Viceroy as a Labour member. On invitation from the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ambedkar joined the first Cabinet of independent India in 1947 as the Minister of Law.
Conversion to Buddhism and Death
Following resignation from the cabinet in 1951 over differences on the Hindu Code Bill, Ambedkar embraced Buddhism. He passed away on 6th December 1956, a day now commemorated as Mahaparinirvan Diwas. A memorial, Chaitya Bhoomi, was erected in his honor in Mumbai. In 1990, he posthumously received India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.
Prolific Writer and Organizer
Ambedkar authored numerous books and published several journals tackling caste issues and other societal concerns. Some of his notable works include ‘Annihilation of Caste’, ‘Buddha or Karl Marx’, ‘The Untouchable: Who are They and Why They Have Become Untouchables, and ‘Buddha and His Dhamma’. He also founded organizations such as the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha in 1923, Independent Labor Party in 1936, and Scheduled Castes Federation in 1942.
Relevance of Ambedkar’s Vision in Modern Times
Despite efforts to eradicate caste-based inequality in India, it persists, particularly in social (health and education) and economic dimensions. Dalits, despite gaining political identity through reservations and separate political parties continue to face social barriers. In this context, it is important to resonate with Ambedkar’s vision where constitutional morality supersedes religious morality to avoid damaging the fabric of the Indian Constitution.
Round Table Conferences
Ambedkar participated in all three Round Table Conferences held in London during 1930-32. These meetings aimed at discussing constitutional reforms in India, eventually leading to the Government of India Act, 1935. The first and third meetings were boycotted by the Congress as most leaders were incarcerated during these periods.
