Article: A Tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: India’s Stalwart Social Reformer and Father of the Indian Constitution
On April 14, 2022, India commemorated the 131st birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly recognized as Babasaheb. This illustrious personality was a monumental figure in India’s political and social landscape, serving as a jurist, economist, author, and polyglot – with proficiency in several languages. Above all, he is remembered as a tireless champion for the marginalized demographics in the Indian society.
Life Journey and Profile of Babasaheb
Born in Mhow, Central Province (now Madhya Pradesh) in 1891, Dr. Ambedkar emerged from humble beginnings to become a beacon for the downtrodden. His endeavors earned him the label ‘Father of the Indian Constitution,’ having been the Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the country’s Constitution and serving as India’s first Law Minister.
Dr. Ambedkar was a relentless advocate for Dalits and other socially backward classes, leveraging his statesmanship to secure their rights.
Significant Contributions of Dr. Ambedkar
In his fight against caste-based discrimination, Dr. Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927. His efforts bore fruits when the Municipal Board of Mahad in Maharashtra passed an order permitting all communities to use water from the Mahad tank – a right previously denied to the untouchables.
He also made significant contributions during the three Round Table Conferences that he attended. In 1932, he signed the Poona pact with Mahatma Gandhi, which led to increased representation for the depressed classes in provincial legislatures and the Central Legislature.
His vision and ideas presented before the Hilton Young Commission formed the foundation for the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Political Involvement and Designation
In 1936, Dr. Ambedkar was elected as a legislator to the Bombay Legislative Assembly. The Viceroy’s Executive Council appointed him as a Labour member in 1942. Following India’s independence in 1947, he accepted an invitation from PM Nehru to serve as the Minister of Law.
However, differing views on the Hindu Code Bill led to his resignation from the cabinet in 1951, prompting him to convert to Buddhism. His death on December 6, 1956, is commemorated as the Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
A memorial, Chaitya Bhoomi, located in Mumbai, pays tribute to this great leader who was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1990.
Literary Works
Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy also includes a rich collection of literary works, such as journals like Mooknayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, Samatha, and Janata. His books include influential titles like ‘Annihilation of Caste,’ ‘Buddha or Karl Marx,’ ‘The Untouchable: Who are They and Why They Have Become Untouchables,’ and ‘The Rise and Fall of Hindu Women.’
He founded organizations like the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha, Independent Labor Party, and Scheduled Castes Federation to further his social and political agenda.
Ambedkar’s Relevance in Present Times
Despite significant advancements, caste-based inequality persists in modern India. While Dalits have gained political identity through reservation and forming their own political parties, gaps remain in health, education, and economic dimensions. Given the rising communal polarization and communalization of politics, the vision of Ambedkar’s constitutional morality over religious morality becomes intrinsically relevant to preserve the integrity of the Indian Constitution.
The Historical Round Table Conferences
The Round Table Conferences were a series of meetings in London aimed at discussing constitutional reforms in India.
The First Round Table Conference commenced on November 12, 1930, without representation from Congress. However, following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in March 1931, Congress agreed to participate in subsequent meetings.
The Second and Third Round Table Conferences took place on September 7, 1931, and November 17, 1932, respectively. These led to the enactment of the Government of India Act, 1935, although Congress did not participate in the third conference as most leaders were incarcerated.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to Indian society and politics continue to resonate today, making his legacy an integral part of the country’s history and future.