B. R. Ambedkar
B.R. Ambedkar: A Life of Service to Humanity
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Madhya Pradesh, India. He is commonly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: April 14, 1891
Died: December 6, 1956 (aged 65)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer. He is considered one of the most influential figures in modern Indian history.
Early Life and Background
Babasaheb Ambedkar was born to Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai Sakpal. His family belonged to the Mahar caste, a group considered low-caste in Hindu society at that time. Ambedkar's early life was marked by struggles against the oppressive caste system, which denied him access to education and social mobility.
Despite these challenges, Ambedkar demonstrated exceptional intellectual abilities from an early age. He pursued higher education in England, earning his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University and a D.Sc. in philosophy from the London School of Economics.
Major Accomplishments
Constitutional Framing: Ambedkar played a crucial role in drafting India's Constitution, which enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens.
Social Reforms: He led movements to eradicate untouchability and promote social equality. His efforts paved the way for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Notable Works or Actions
Ambedkar authored several books on economics, law, and politics. Some notable works include:
"The Annihilation of Caste": A scathing critique of the caste system that challenges traditional Hinduism.
"India and the War": The book discusses India's role in World War II.
Impact and Legacy
Babasaheb Ambedkar's impact extends far beyond his own lifetime. His tireless efforts to eradicate social inequality have inspired generations of Indians, many of whom continue to draw strength from his words and actions.
Ambedkar's legacy can be seen in the numerous institutions, scholarships, and awards established in his name. The Indian government has also honored him with a Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honor.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
B.R. Ambedkar is widely quoted and remembered for his powerful speeches, writings, and actions against social injustice. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"Castes are not only created by man; they are made by society. If the members of a society regard themselves as superior to one another in status or prestige, then such distinctions will become so deeply ingrained that even the Constitution cannot eradicate them."
"The struggle for freedom has been won, but the real struggle is yet to be won – it is the struggle against social and economic inequalities."
These words serve as a testament to Ambedkar's unwavering commitment to social justice. They inspire us to continue working towards creating a more equitable society where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive.
As we reflect on Babasaheb Ambedkar's remarkable life, it is clear that his legacy will endure for generations to come. His tireless advocacy for human rights and dignity continues to motivate us toward building a better world for all.
Quotes by B. R. Ambedkar
B. R. Ambedkar's insights on:
That the caste system must be abolished if the Hindu society is to be reconstructed on the basis of equality, goes without saying. Untouchability has its roots in the caste system. They cannot expect the Brahmins to rise in revolt against the caste system. Also we cannot rely upon the non-Brahmins and ask them to fight our battle.
One can quite understand vegetarianism. One can quite understand meat-eating. But it is difficult to understand why a person who is a flesh-eater should object to one kind of flesh, namely cow's flesh. This is an anomaly which call for explanation.
My social philosophy may be said to be enshrined in three words: liberty, equality and fraternity. Let no one, however, say that I have borrowed by philosophy from the French Revolution. I have not. My philosophy has roots in religion and not in political science. I have derived them from the teachings of my Master, the Buddha.
Generally speaking, the Smritikars never care to explain the why and the how of their dogmas.
Why is it that a large majority of Hindus do not inter-dine and do not inter-marry? Why is it that your cause is not popular? There can be only one answer to this question, and it is that inter-dining and inter-marriage are repugnant to the beliefs and dogmas which the Hindus regard as sacred.
Some men say that they should be satisfied with the abolition of untouchability only, leaving the caste system alone. The aim of abolition of untouchability alone without trying to abolish the inequalities inherent in the caste system is a rather low aim.
No Hindu community, however low, will touch cow's flesh. On the other hand, there is no community which is really an Untouchable community which has not something to do with the dead cow. Some eat her flesh, some remove the skin, some manufacture articles out of her skin and bones.
The Touchables, whether they are vegetarians or flesh-eaters, are united in their objection to eat cow's flesh. As against them stand the Untouchables, who eat cow's flesh without compunction and as a matter of course and habit.
People are not wrong in observing Caste. In my view, what is wrong is their religion, which has inculcated this notion of Caste. If this is correct, then obviously the enemy, you must grapple with is not the people who observe Caste, but the Shastras which teach them this religion of Caste.
The food habits of the different classes of Hindus have been as fixed and stratified as their cults. Just as Hindus can be classified on their basis of their cults, so also they can be classified on the basis of their habits of food.