The Life & Legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
From humble beginnings to constitutional architect - witness the extraordinary journey of the man who transformed India
Birth of a Revolutionary
Born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh, as the 14th child of Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai Sakpal.
Ambedkar was born into a Mahar (Dalit) caste, who were treated as untouchables and subjected to socio-economic discrimination. His father was an army officer who held the rank of Subedar in the British Indian Army.
First Untouchable at Elphinstone
Ambedkar's family moved to Mumbai where he became the only untouchable enrolled at Elphinstone High School.
Despite facing severe discrimination, young Bhimrao showed exceptional academic promise. His education was supported by progressive figures who recognized his intellectual potential.
University Education
Obtained his degree in economics and political science from Bombay University and prepared to take up employment with the Baroda state government.
His academic achievements were unprecedented for someone from the untouchable community. His dedication to education would become a cornerstone of his philosophy for uplifting the oppressed.
Columbia University Scholar
Awarded a Baroda State Scholarship to study at Columbia University in New York, where he earned his MA in 1915 and began doctoral studies.
At Columbia, Ambedkar was influenced by John Dewey and his work on democracy. He studied economics, sociology, history, philosophy, and anthropology, developing a multidisciplinary approach to social problems.
London School of Economics
Enrolled for the Bar course at Gray's Inn and at the London School of Economics where he worked on a doctoral thesis.
His ship carrying his book collection was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine during World War I, a devastating loss of research materials. Despite this setback, he persevered in his studies.
Voice of the Voiceless
Started the weekly journal 'Mooknayak' (The Leader of the Silent) to voice Dalit concerns and social justice issues.
Understanding the power of media, he launched a publication that became the voice of millions who had been silenced for centuries. Each edition carried hope and demanded justice.
Mahad Satyagraha
Led the historic movement for Dalit rights to access public water sources at the Chavadar Tank in Mahad.
The Mahad Satyagraha was not just about water - it was about human dignity. Thousands marched with him, asserting their right to equality in the face of centuries-old oppression.
Round Table Conferences
Represented untouchables at the Round Table Conferences in London, advocating for separate electorates for Dalits.
Ambedkar emerged as a powerful voice on the international stage, articulating the concerns and aspirations of India's most marginalized communities.
Independent Labour Party
Founded the Independent Labour Party to advocate for workers' rights and represent Dalit interests in politics.
Ambedkar recognized that political representation was essential for social transformation. His party contested the 1937 elections and won several seats in the Bombay Legislative Assembly.
Annihilation of Caste
Published his seminal work 'Annihilation of Caste,' a critique of the Hindu caste system and orthodox religious practices.
Originally written as a speech for a conference he was invited to chair (but which was canceled when organizers saw the radical content), this work became one of the most important critiques of caste in the 20th century.
First Law Minister
Appointed as the first Law Minister of independent India in the Nehru Cabinet.
As India gained independence, Ambedkar's legal expertise and commitment to social justice made him the natural choice to oversee the country's legal framework during its formative years.
Architect of the Constitution
Appointed as Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, leading the creation of the world's longest written constitution.
Working tirelessly for nearly three years, Ambedkar crafted a document that would guarantee equality for all citizens, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
Conversion to Buddhism
Converted to Buddhism along with approximately 500,000 followers in a mass ceremony in Nagpur.
After years of study and reflection, Ambedkar chose Buddhism as a path to dignity and equality. His conversion was a powerful statement against the caste system and a new beginning for his followers.
The Buddha and His Dhamma
Completed his final work, 'The Buddha and His Dhamma,' a comprehensive interpretation of Buddhist philosophy.
This book, published posthumously, presented Buddhism as a rational, scientific religion focused on social equality and human dignity, rather than metaphysical speculation.
Death and Legacy
Passed away on December 6, 1956, in his sleep at his home in Delhi, just three days after completing 'The Buddha and His Dhamma.'
His funeral in Mumbai was attended by hundreds of thousands of grieving followers. His legacy lives on through his writings, the constitution he helped craft, and the ongoing movements for social justice he inspired.
Continue the Legacy
Dr. Ambedkar's journey reminds us that one person's courage can transform a nation. His message to his followers was "Educate, Agitate, Organize!"