“I do not want that our loyalty as Indians should be in the slightest way affected by any competitive loyalty whether that loyalty arises out of our religion, out of our culture or out of our language.” – B.R. Ambedkar.
Everyone knows Babasaheb Ambedkar as the architect of the Indian Constitution, the very foundation on which modern India stands. But Dr. Ambedkar’s life story is far richer, more surprising than just textbooks make it seem. Today, on Ambedkar Jayanti (April 14), let’s crack open the history books and find out some hidden gems about this remarkable leader of India!
Lesser-known Facts about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life
- He was the first Indian to get a doctorate (PhD) in Economics from a foreign country.
- He had a huge personal library named “Rajgirh,” containing over 50,000 books! This collection covered a wide range of subjects and shows his intellectual curiosity.
- He completed his studies at the London School of Economics in just over two years, the degree usually takes eight years to complete.
- He wrote many books and articles on various topics, including economics, social issues, and even religion. One of his books, “Waiting for a Visa,” is even a textbook at Columbia University!
- He had mastery over nine languages, including Hindi, Pali, Sanskrit, French, German, Marathi, Persian, and Gujarati.
- He was the only individual in India to have ever done a Satyagraha specifically for the right to access clean water, a critical issue, but often ignored.
- The idea of “Ashoka Chakra” in the middle of the Indian flag- Tricolour, was given by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.
- Dr. Ambedkar didn’t only draft the India’s national constitution. He was invited by the Maharaja of Baroda too to draft the constitution for the princely state, an evidence of his reputation as a constitutional expert.
- He played a very important role in the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India in 1935.
- Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was not awarded the “Bharat Ratna”, India’s highest civilian honor, during his lifetime. He received it in 1990, after he had passed away.
Why Babasaheb Ambedkar is relevant even today?
India has made good progress, yet caste discrimination persists in many forms, even today. Ambedkar’s life and work are a reminder that achieving a truly casteless society requires constant efforts. We still hear about instances of rural India where a Dalit groom was beaten while riding on a horse as part of the marriage procession by some people of the Upper castes.
Babasaheb Ambedkar’s emphasis on education remains a challenge for modern India as it aspires to become a developed nation in 21st century.
Ambedkar’s push for laws that gave women working in mines, maternity leaves, is another example of the relevancy of his ideas in Modern India. His quote -“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved” inspires Indian people to work towards gender equality every single day. Now, the issues related to employers’ reluctance to hire women in “high-fertility” age groups and need of paternity leaves in the private sector are discussed in the society in an open manner.
Babasaheb Ambedkar isn’t just a statue in a park; he is a towering symbol of justice, equality, and social reform for India and beyond. Born in 1891 into the Mahar caste, which was considered untouchable in the rigid caste hierarchy of India, Ambedkar faced discrimination and social ostracism from a young age. Despite these challenges, he became one of India’s most influential figures, championing the rights of the marginalized and laying the foundations for modern India’s democratic and egalitarian principles.
Ambedkar’s legacy is far more than his physical likeness in statues and monuments. He is revered as a beacon of light for millions of Indians, particularly those from historically oppressed communities. His life’s work is a testament to the relentless struggle for justice and human dignity. Ambedkar was a scholar, jurist, economist, and politician who dedicated his life to combating social injustices and ensuring that the principles of equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution were not just theoretical ideals but practical realities.
As the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar enshrined fundamental rights and protections for all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. His contributions ensured that India would be a secular, democratic republic committed to social justice. The Constitution’s emphasis on equality before the law, the abolition of untouchability, and the promotion of social and economic rights reflects Ambedkar’s vision of an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Ambedkar’s work extends beyond legal and political reforms. He was a prolific writer and thinker whose ideas on social justice, economics, and education continue to inspire and guide contemporary discourse. His critique of the caste system and his advocacy for the annihilation of caste remain powerful calls for social reform and human rights. Ambedkar’s efforts to promote education for all, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, underscore his belief in the transformative power of knowledge.
His leadership in the Dalit Buddhist movement is another critical aspect of his legacy. By embracing Buddhism, Ambedkar sought to provide a spiritual and moral framework that rejected caste discrimination and promoted compassion, equality, and human dignity. This movement not only provided a new religious and cultural identity for millions of Dalits but also reinforced the values of social justice and equality that Ambedkar championed throughout his life.
In contemporary India, Ambedkar’s legacy resonates strongly amid ongoing struggles against social inequality and injustice. His life and work serve as a reminder that the fight for justice is an enduring endeavor, requiring vigilance, courage, and a steadfast commitment to human rights. Activists, scholars, and ordinary citizens draw inspiration from Ambedkar’s example as they work to address contemporary issues such as caste-based discrimination, gender inequality, and economic disparity.
Babasaheb Ambedkar represents the unyielding spirit of resistance against oppression and the pursuit of a just society. His enduring influence is a guiding light for India, continually reminding its people of the importance of striving for a world where justice, equality, and human dignity prevail. Far from being just a statue in a park, Ambedkar’s legacy is a living, breathing force that inspires action and fosters hope for a better future.
His life and ideas spark debate, challenge the status quo, and inspire to keep striving for a progressive India. His struggles continue to shape the nation’s path, making him a vital figure even in the 21st century.