Early Life and Background of Bhimrao Ambedkar
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow (in Madhya Pradesh) to a Mahar Dalit family, which was considered untouchable in India’s caste system. Despite facing this fierce caste discrimination, Ambedkar’s thirst for knowledge remained unshakable.
His father, Ramji Maloji Sakpal, was a subedar in the British Indian Army and believed in the power of education. Ambedkar’s early schooling was full of difficulties – he was not allowed to sit inside the classroom or drink water from the same vessel with other students.
Who Was Bhimrao Ambedkar?
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was one of the most influential figures in Indian history. A social reformer, jurist, economist and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar’s life was a ray of hope and change for millions of oppressed communities in India. His legacy inspires generations, especially students, to stand up for equality, education and justice.
History of Bhimrao Ambedkar
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb, was a visionary leader, social reformer and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Born into a Dalit family on 14 April 1891, he faced untouchability and discrimination from a young age. Despite these challenges, he faced them with determination, courage, confidence and became one of the most educated and influential people in India, earning doctorates from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. Ambedkar dedicated his life to fighting caste oppression, promoting equality and securing the rights of marginalized communities.
As India’s first Law Minister, he played a key role in drafting a constitution that ensured justice, liberty and equality for all. His subsequent conversion to Buddhism in 1956 inspired millions and his legacy continues to guide India’s journey towards social justice and empowerment.
Top 10 Facts About Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar
Here we will tell you the inspiring journey of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and 10 important facts about him which every student should know. Let’s know about the important facts about Baba Saheb:
1. Master of Education – Dr. Ambedkar’s Global Academic Achievements
Dr. Ambedkar was one of the most highly educated Indians of his time. He earned several degrees from prestigious institutions:
- B.A. from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay
- M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University, USA
- D.Sc. in Economics from London School of Economics
- Barrister-at-Law from Gray’s Inn, London
He was the first Indian citizen to obtain a doctorate in economics abroad, becoming a role model for students across the world.
2. Voice of the Voiceless – Champion of Dalit Rights
Ambedkar dedicated his life to the upliftment of Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”). He started several movements and publications to raise awareness against social injustice and caste discrimination, including:
- Bahishkrit Bharat (Outcast India) – his first newspaper
- Mook Nayak (Leader of the Silent Ones)
- He launched the Mahad Satyagraha (1927) to claim Dalits’ right to public water sources.
- Kala Ram Mandir Pravesh Andolan (1930) was launched to give Dalits access to Hindu temples.
3. Architect of the Indian Constitution
His most significant contribution was as the chairman of the drafting committee of the Indian Constitution. B.R. Ambedkar played a key role in shaping the legal framework of independent India.
The major features introduced under his leadership include:
- Fundamental Rights – Right to Equality, Liberty and Protection against discrimination.
- Abolition of Untouchability under Article 17.
- Introduced Reservations (affirmative action) for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
- Introduced a federal structure with a strong center.
- Introduced Independent judiciary.
He gave India a modern, secular and democratic constitution, which is one of the longest constitutions in the world.
4. First Law Minister of Independent India
After independence, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was appointed as the first Law Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. His tenure as Law Minister was short but influential. He resigned in 1951 due to differences over the Hindu Code Bill, which aimed to amend Hindu personal laws to give women equal rights as men in inheritance and marriage.
5. Economic Visionary
Not just a social reformer, Ambedkar was also an economist and policy maker. His contributions to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) structure, land reforms and industrial policies were visionary. He emphasized the importance of:
- Water resources management (he advocated the Damodar and Mahanadi projects)
- Agricultural reform
- Industrialization as a tool for economic equality
6. Role in Labour Rights and Social Welfare
Dr. Ambedkar’s policies significantly shaped India’s labour laws and welfare systems. He introduced:
- 8-hour workday
- Paid maternity leave
- Equal pay for equal work
- Protection of workers in factories and mines
He also established institutions like Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund.
7. Conversion to Buddhism – A Spiritual Revolution
In search of spiritual equality, Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with his over 5 lakh followers on 14 October 1956 in Nagpur. It was a historic move that started the Dalit Buddhist movement in India.
He believed that Buddhism upheld the values of equality, compassion and reason, unlike the caste-based divisions in Hindu society. Baba Saheb Ambedkar wrote the book “The Buddha and His Dhamma”, which is a guide to Ambedkarite Buddhism.
8. Literary Legacy – Books and Writings
Babasaheb Ambedkar has also written many influential books and essays. Some of his major works are as follows, which are given below:
- Annihilation of Caste – A Revolutionary Critique of the Caste System
- The Problem of Rupee – An Economic Analysis
- Views on Linguistic States
- Who Were the Shudras?
The writings of B.R. Ambedkar are a must for students of social sciences, law and political science.
9. Bharat Ratna Award Winners
Dr. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1990 in recognition of his immense contributions. His life and work have now become an integral part of school and college curriculums across India, serving as a model for every student.
10. Legacy Still Remains – Ambedkar Jayanti and Global Recognition
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar died on 6 December 1956, but his legacy is immortal. Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated every year on 14 April as a national holiday in India and is also recognized internationally.
- Statues and memorials have been built in his honor across the country.
- The United Nations and many global organizations have celebrated his contribution to human rights.
Also Read:
Swami Vivekananda Insights: What is the Role of Education in Nation Building?
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Education and It’s Benefits
What Does the Life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Teach Students?
For students, Ambedkar’s life teaches:
- The power of knowledge and education
- The courage and importance of standing up against injustice
- The value of democracy, equality and rights
So, from now on, let us honor Dr. Ambedkar not just by remembering his name, but also by adopting his ideals for justice, freedom and equality in our everyday lives.
Conclusion: Why Every Student Should Know About Ambedkar
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar drafted the Indian Constitution. He was not only the architect of the Constitution but also a visionary leader, a brave man and a true warrior of social justice. Baba Saheb’s life journey started from a socially outcast child to becoming one of the most influential nation-builders. His journey teaches us how we can change our lives through education, determination and courage.