B.R. Ambedkar: Life and Legacy

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956), also known as Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer. Early Life and Education: Born into the Mahar caste, considered untouchable, Ambedkar experienced significant socio-economic discrimination in his early life. He was the 14th and last child of Ramji Maloji Sakpal, an army officer, and Bhimabai Sakpal. Ambedkar's original surname was Sakpal, but it was changed to Ambadawekar in school records, and later to Ambedkar by his teacher. He faced segregation and discrimination in school, being denied water and not allowed to sit inside the classroom. He went on to become the only untouchable enrolled at Elphinstone High School. He earned degrees from the University of Bombay, Columbia University (MA, PhD), and the London School of Economics (MSc, DSc). He also trained in law at Gray's Inn, London. Ambedkar was among a small number of Indian students to have earned doctorates from these institutions in the 1920s. Opposition to Untouchability: Ambedkar dedicated his life to fighting against untouchability and the caste system. He advocated for separate electorates and reservations for untouchables and other religious communities. He launched public movements to open up public drinking water resources and fought for the right to enter Hindu temples. He publicly condemned the Manusmriti for justifying caste discrimination and led followers to ceremonially burn copies of the text. He led the Kalaram Temple movement, organizing a large procession to fight for the right of untouchables to enter the temple. He started the weekly publication Mooknayak (Leader of the Silent) to advocate for the rights of untouchables. Political Career: Ambedkar was appointed Military Secretary to the Gaikwad of Baroda but had to quit due to discrimination. He served as a professor of political economy at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. He was a member of the Bombay Legislative Council and the Bombay Legislative Assembly. In 1936, Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party. He was appointed to the Bombay Presidency Committee to work with the Simon Commission. He served on the Defence Advisory Committee and the Viceroy's Executive Council as minister of labour. He was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India. He served as India's first Law and Justice Minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet. He resigned from Nehru's cabinet after the Hindu Code Bill was defeated in parliament. The Poona Pact: Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact with Madan Mohan Malaviya, representing the depressed classes, after Mahatma Gandhi protested against a separate electorate for untouchables. The agreement reserved seats for the depressed classes in the Provisional legislatures within the general electorate. Drafting of India's Constitution: Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India. He played a key role in drafting the constitution which outlawed discrimination against untouchables and guaranteed various civil liberties for all citizens. The constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949. He also argued for extensive economic and social rights for women and introduced a system of reservations for jobs in civil services, schools, and colleges for members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Ambedkar expressed his disapproval of the constitution in 1953, saying that he was a "hack" and that he would be the first person to burn it out. Economics: Ambedkar was the first Indian to pursue a doctorate in economics abroad. He argued that industrialisation and agricultural growth could enhance the Indian economy. He advocated for investment in agriculture and national economic development. He opposed income tax for low-income groups and contributed to land reform and state economic development. He favoured a free economy with a stable Rupee and advocated birth control to develop the Indian economy.

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