Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb, was a social reformer and a leader of the Dalit community in India. He was an influential figure in the Indian independence movement and is considered to be the architect of the Indian Constitution. He was also an economist, political theorist, and a prolific writer.
Dr. Ambedkar has had a lasting impact on Indian society and politics. Here are some interesting facts about him that you may not know:
1. Dr. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in a small village called Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. He was the 14th and last child of Ramji and Bhimabai Ambedkar.
2. He was the first Dalit to receive a college education. He received his doctorate in economics from the University of Columbia in New York. This made him the first person from an untouchable caste to receive a doctorate degree.
3. Dr. Ambedkar was a prolific writer. He wrote over 25 books and over 500 articles and papers. He wrote extensively on the economic and social problems of India.
4. Dr. Ambedkar was an ardent advocate of social justice and was a key figure in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. He was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constituent Assembly.
5. He was a fierce critic of the caste system and campaigned for the rights of the Dalits and other marginalized communities. He was an avid supporter of the idea of affirmative action and introduced the reservation system in India.
6. Dr. Ambedkar was a major influence on the Indian political landscape. He was a founding member of the All India Depressed Classes League and campaigned for the rights of the downtrodden. He was also a major influence in the formation of the Indian National Congress and the Indian Constitution.
7. Dr. Ambedkar was a staunch supporter of gender equality and was one of the first people to advocate for women’s rights in India. He opposed the practice of child marriage and campaigned for the rights of widows.
8. He was a major proponent of secularism and campaigned for the separation of religion and state. He is credited with introducing the idea of a secular and democratic India.
9. Dr. Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1990. He is the only Dalit leader to have been honoured with this award.
10. On December 6, 1956, Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with 500,000 of his followers. He is credited with reviving Buddhism in India and is considered to be one of the most important figures in modern Buddhism.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was a great social reformer and leader who dedicated his life to the cause of the oppressed and downtrodden. His legacy lives on in the Indian Constitution and in the minds of the people he has inspired.
