B. R. Ambedkar

Dr._Bhimrao_Ambedkar

Young_Ambedkar

Dr._Babasaheb_Ambedkar_in_Columbia_University

Dr._B._R._Ambedkar_with_his_professors_and_friends_from_the_London_School_of_Economics_and_Political_Science,_1916-17

Ambedkar_Barrister

Dr._Babasaheb_Ambedkar_being_sworn_in_as_independent_India’s_first_Law_Minister_by_President_Dr._Rajendra_Prasad,_Prime_Minister_Jawaharlal_Nehru_looks_on_May_8,_1950

M.R._Jayakar,_Tej_Bahadur_Sapru_and_Dr._Babasaheb_Ambedkar_at_Yerwada_jail,_in_Poona,_on_24_September_1932,_the_day_the_Poona_Pact_was_signed

Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer

Ambedkar in 1939

Born	(1891-04-14)14 April 1891, Mhow, Central Provinces, British India
Died	6 December 1956(1956-12-06) (aged 65), Delhi, India
Resting place
Nationality	Indian
Political party	Scheduled Castes Federation
Occupation
Known for
Spouse(s)	Ramabai Ambedkar (m. 1906; d. 1935) Savita Ambedkar (m. 1948)
Children	Yashwant Ambedkar
Education

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), popularly known as Baba Saheb Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits). He was independent India's first Minister of Law and Justice, and the principal architect of the Constitution of India.

Early Life and Education

Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in the town of Mhow in the Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh), to a Mahar (Dalit) caste family. His father, Ramji Maloji Sakpal, was a Subedar in the British Indian Army. Despite facing severe discrimination, Ambedkar excelled in his studies. He earned a degree in economics and political science from the University of Mumbai in 1912. He then went on to pursue higher studies at Columbia University in the United States, where he obtained a master's degree and a doctorate in economics. He also studied law at the London School of Economics.

Political Career

Ambedkar's political career began with his involvement in the Indian independence movement. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the Dalits and other marginalized communities. In 1936, he founded the Independent Labour Party, which later evolved into the Scheduled Castes Federation. He was a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council during the British rule and played a crucial role in the drafting of the Constitution of India after independence.

Contributions to Indian Society

Ambedkar's contributions to Indian society are immense. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India and played a key role in the formation of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights and equality to all citizens. He also worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the Dalits and other oppressed communities, advocating for their education and social integration.

Personal Life

Ambedkar was married twice. His first wife, Ramabai Ambedkar, passed away in 1935. In 1948, he married Savita Ambedkar. He had one son, Yashwant Ambedkar. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956, along with many of his followers, in a bid to escape the caste system and its associated discrimination.

Death and Legacy

Ambedkar passed away on 6 December 1956 in Delhi. His legacy continues to inspire millions of people in India and around the world. He is remembered as a champion of social justice and equality, and his contributions to the Indian Constitution and society are celebrated annually on his birth anniversary, known as Ambedkar Jayanti.

Related Pages

• Dalit Buddhist movement
• Constitution of India
• Indian independence movement
• Scheduled Castes Federation
• Ambedkar Jayanti