Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti is an important day that is celebrated in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who is also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar. Dr. Ambedkar was a great Indian jurist, economist, social reformer, and politician who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and is also known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.”

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India, to Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai Sakpal. His father was a Subedar in the British Indian Army and a member of the Mahar caste, which was considered “untouchable” or “Dalit” in the Indian caste system. Despite facing discrimination and inequality from an early age, he went on to become one of the most prominent and respected leaders of the country, fighting for the rights of the Dalits and other marginalized communities.

Ambedkar was the 14th child of his parents, and he had five brothers and seven sisters. His family faced discrimination and social exclusion due to their caste, which had a profound impact on his life and career.

Ambedkar was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to a nine-year-old girl named Ramabai, in 1906, when he was just 15 years old. However, the marriage was never consummated, and Ambedkar later dissolved it. He then married Savita Ambedkar in 1948, who supported him throughout his life.

Ambedkar and Savita had two sons, Yashwant and Rajratna. Yashwant Bhimrao Ambedkar, also known as Balasaheb Ambedkar, was a prominent politician and social activist who carried forward his father’s legacy after his death.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a highly educated person, and his dedication to education played a significant role in his life and career.

He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Bombay University in 1912 and a Master’s degree in Economics from Columbia University in New York in 1915. He also earned a Doctorate in Economics from the London School of Economics in 1923, where he was awarded a D.Sc. degree for his thesis on the “Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution.”

Apart from his formal education, Ambedkar was a voracious reader and self-taught in many subjects. He had a deep interest in philosophy, history, sociology, and politics, which he studied extensively throughout his life. His education and knowledge helped him become a leading voice in the fight for social justice and equality in India.

Ambedkar’s career began when he obtained a scholarship to study at Columbia University in New York, where he earned a Ph.D. in economics. He then went on to study law at the London School of Economics and was called to the bar in England in 1922. Upon his return to India, he established a legal practice and became involved in various social and political causes.

Ambedkar was a prominent voice in the Indian independence movement, and he was one of the key architects of the Indian Constitution, which was adopted on January 26, 1950. He was appointed as the first Law Minister of India in the Nehru government, where he played a crucial role in drafting and implementing several important pieces of legislation, including the Hindu Code Bill, which sought to reform Hindu personal law.

In addition to his political and legal career, Ambedkar was also a prolific writer and scholar. He wrote extensively on a range of subjects, including economics, sociology, and politics. He was particularly interested in the issues of caste and untouchability in India, and he worked tirelessly to promote the rights of Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”) and other marginalized communities.

Today, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Indian history, and his contributions to the country’s political, social, and economic development continue to be celebrated and studied.

Ambedkar was also a firm believer in the power of education to bring about social change. He founded the People’s Education Society in 1945 to provide education to underprivileged sections of society. The society established several institutions, including Siddharth College of Arts and Science, Mumbai, and Milind College of Science, Aurangabad.

On Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, people across India pay tribute to his legacy and contributions to the country. The day is marked by various events and programs, including speeches, seminars, and cultural events. Schools and colleges also organize debates and essay competitions to honor his memory and encourage students to learn more about his life and work.

Overall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti is a day to celebrate the life and legacy of one of India’s greatest leaders, who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized communities and laid the foundation for a more inclusive and democratic India.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956, at his home in Delhi, India, due to complications from diabetes. He was 65 years old at the time of his death. His passing was widely mourned throughout India, and he is remembered as a towering figure in the country’s history and a champion for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized.

He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1990, in recognition of his contributions to the country’s social, economic, and political development. He was the first person from the Dalit community to receive this honor. Since then, Dr. Ambedkar has been honored with numerous memorials, statues, and institutions in India and around the world, highlighting his important role in shaping India’s modern history.

Greetings to the great soul!