Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar | Architect of the Indian Constitution

 

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb, was a visionary leader, social reformer, and jurist who dedicated his life to the cause of social justice and the upliftment of the oppressed classes in India. He is widely regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution and played a pivotal role in shaping the country's destiny. In this biography, we will explore his life journey, from his humble beginnings to his enduring legacy.

Early Life and Education

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, a military cantonment in the central Indian province of Madhya Pradesh, to Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai. His family belonged to the Mahar caste, which was considered as an untouchable or Dalit community in the Hindu caste hierarchy. Despite being educated and working as a Subedar in the British Indian Army, Ramji faced social discrimination and marginalization in his own community. Bhimrao grew up witnessing the hardships and indignities faced by his family and community, which left a deep impression on his young mind.

Bhimrao started his early education at a local school in Satara, Maharashtra, where his father was posted. Later, he moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) to attend the Elphinstone High School, where he excelled academically. In 1907, he secured a scholarship to study at the prestigious Elphinstone College, where he pursued a degree in Economics and Political Science. Despite facing discrimination from his upper-caste classmates, Bhimrao persisted with his studies and graduated with a distinction.

In 1913, Bhimrao secured a scholarship to pursue further studies at Columbia University in New York, USA. He completed a Master's degree in Economics and a Ph.D. in Political Science in 1916 and 1927, respectively. During his time in the USA, Bhimrao was exposed to the ideas of social equality, democracy, and individual freedom, which had a profound impact on his worldview.

Career and Political Life

Upon his return to India, Bhimrao began his career as a professor of political economy at Sydenham College in Bombay. However, he soon became disillusioned with the prevalent social inequality and caste-based discrimination in Indian society. In 1920, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, a social organization that worked towards the welfare of the Dalit community. He also launched a series of campaigns to fight for the rights of the untouchables, including the right to access public spaces and the right to education.

Bhimrao's activism caught the attention of the national leaders of the Indian freedom movement, who invited him to join the Indian National Congress in 1917. However, he soon became disillusioned with the Congress's approach to social reform, which he felt was inadequate. In 1935, he resigned from the Congress and formed the Independent Labour Party, which sought to represent the interests of the oppressed classes.

In 1937, Bhimrao was elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly, where he continued to champion the cause of social justice. He also served as the Labour Minister in the Executive Council of the Governor of Bombay. In 1942, he founded the Scheduled Castes Federation, which aimed to bring together the scattered Dalit community under a common platform. He was elected as the Federation's president in 1944

Constitution Drafting

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution, which is widely regarded as one of the most progressive and liberal constitutions in the world. In recognition of his contribution, he was appointed as the Union Law Minister in the first government of independent India.

Bhimrao's experience as a jurist and his lifelong commitment to social justice made him a natural choice to lead the drafting of the Indian Constitution. He was appointed as the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee in 1947. The committee was tasked with the monumental task of crafting a constitution that reflected India's diverse cultural, social, and political realities.

Under Bhimrao's leadership, the committee worked tirelessly for over two years to prepare the draft of the constitution. During this period, Bhimrao played a key role in resolving various contentious issues, such as the language policy, the role of the judiciary, and the rights of minorities. He also introduced several progressive provisions in the constitution, such as the right to equality, the right to freedom, and the abolition of untouchability.

Bhimrao's vision for the constitution was rooted in his belief in the principles of social justice, democracy, and individual freedom. He saw the constitution as a means of ensuring that every Indian citizen, regardless of their caste, creed, or gender, had access to equal opportunities and justice. His tireless efforts and visionary leadership played a crucial role in the finalization of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949.

As the Union Law Minister

Following the adoption of the Constitution, Bhimrao was appointed as the Union Law Minister in the first government of independent India under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. In this role, he played a key role in drafting several important laws and amendments, such as the Hindu Code Bill, which sought to reform the Hindu personal law, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, which aimed to protect the rights of the Dalit community.

As the Law Minister, Bhimrao also focused on modernizing the legal system and improving access to justice for the marginalized sections of society. He initiated several reforms, such as the abolition of the Devadasi system, which exploited young girls in the name of religion, and the establishment of legal aid clinics to provide free legal aid to the poor.

Death

Despite his immense contributions to Indian society and his tireless efforts towards the cause of social justice, Bhimrao faced severe opposition and criticism from the conservative sections of society, especially the upper-caste Hindus. He was subjected to numerous personal attacks and vilification campaigns, which took a toll on his health.

Bhimrao suffered from severe diabetes and other health complications, which were exacerbated by the stress of his political and social activism. On December 6, 1956, he passed away at his home in Delhi at the age of 65.

Bhimrao's legacy as a champion of social justice and the architect of the Indian Constitution continues to inspire generations of Indians. His ideas and vision for an egalitarian society and his tireless efforts towards achieving this goal remain relevant even today. His contribution to the Indian Constitution and the legal system is unparalleled, and his legacy will continue to shape India's future for years to come.

Picture By Unknown author - http://anithawnp.webnode.com/indian-heroes/dr-b-r-ambedkar/[dead link] (read on archive.org), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42306587