On April 14, 2019, India celebrated the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a pivotal figure in the country’s history and the main architect of its constitution. As the first law minister of independent India, Dr. Ambedkar held a prominent position in shaping the legal landscape of the country. Beyond this, he was also a renowned social reformer, jurist, economist, author, polyglot orator, scholar of comparative religions, and a thinker. This article delves into the life and legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, his role in the Poona Pact and the impact of his works.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: A Life of Influence
Born on 14th April 1891 in Mhow, Central Province (now Madhya Pradesh), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life was marked by numerous significant contributions to Indian society. In 1923, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha, an organization devoted to promoting the welfare of the socially ostracized.
Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927, which was a civil disobedience movement against the regressive caste practices of Hindus. Known for his political acumen, he participated in all three round-table conferences. In 1932, he signed the historic Poona pact with Mahatma Gandhi, a landmark event that will be discussed later in this article.
In 1947, as independent India took shape, Dr. Ambedkar was invited by Prime Minister Nehru to serve as the Minister of Law in his cabinet. He was also appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the new Constitution on August 29, 1947. However, over differences on the Hindu Code Bill, he resigned from the cabinet in 1951.
In 1956, Dr. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, further demonstrating his commitment to social equality. His death on 6th December 1956 marked the end of a life dedicated to the upliftment of the marginalized.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1923 | Founded Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha |
| 1927 | Led Mahad Satyagraha |
| 1932 | Signed Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi |
| 1947 | Served as Minister of Law; Appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee |
| 1951 | Resign from the Cabinet over differences on the Hindu Code Bill |
| 1956 | Converted to Buddhism |
The Poona Pact
The Poona Pact came into existence against the backdrop of the Communal Award announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald on August 16, 1932. This award established separate electorates and reserved seats for minorities and the depressed classes.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar advocated that the depressed classes should be treated as a distinct, independent minority separate from the Hindus. The Congress, while disagreeing with the Communal Award, decided neither to accept it nor reject it.
Mahatma Gandhi saw the Communal Award as harmful to Indian unity and nationalism, as well as to both Hinduism and the depressed classes. In response, he demanded that the depressed classes be elected through joint and, if possible, a wider electorate through the universal franchise. His indefinite fast from September 20, 1932, led to the signing of the Poona Pact between him and Dr. Ambedkar on behalf of the depressed classes on September 24, 1932.
This pact abandoned the idea of separate electorates for the depressed classes. Instead, it increased the seats reserved for them from 71 to 147 in provincial legislatures and to 18% of the total in the Central Legislature. The Poona Pact was accepted by the government as an amendment to the Communal Award.