Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti 2023: Dr. Bhimrao R. Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, in India, is widely recognized as the Father of the Indian Constitution. He renounced Hinduism, which inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement.
From 1947 to 1951, Ambedkar served as the chairman of the Constitution of India drafting committee, as well as the Minister of Law and Justice in Jawaharlal Nehru’s first cabinet. In 1918, he was appointed as a Professor of Political Economy at the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai.
Who was Dr BR Ambedkar
Dr. BR Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Central Province (present-day Madhya Pradesh), led the team responsible for drafting the Constitution of India. He was the 14th and youngest child of Ramji Maloji Sakpal, born into a Mahar (Dalit) family. Dr Ambedkar faced atrocities against Dalits throughout his upbringing.
He earned a degree in Econ. and Political Science and began his career in the Baroda State Government. At the age of 22, he earned a scholarship to attend Columbia University.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of Dalits. In 1932, he played a key role in the signing of the Poona Pact, which granted representation to Dalits in legislatures.
Why Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti is Celebrated
Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated all over India, especially among Dalits, women, adivasis, labourers, and all the other communities that Ambedkar fought for. On this day, people show their respect on the social reformer by placing garlands on his statues and portraits. Even the United Nations observed Ambedkar Jayanti in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Cultural events and discussions related to Ambedkar’s life are also held.
Dr B R Ambedkar is remembered and honoured on this day for his significant contribution to the Indian poor. He was the main architect of the Indian Constitution and founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha in 1923 to promote education and improve the financial status of low-income groups. Ambedkar also initiated social movements aimed at eradicating casteism in the country, such as the anti-priest, temple entry, and anti-caste movements.
Achievement of Dr. BR Ambedkar
| Achievement | Description |
|---|---|
| Father of the Indian Constitution | Led the team that drafted the Constitution of India and is widely recognized as its Father, Dr Ambedkar |
| Champion of Dalit Rights | Throughout his life, Dr Ambedkar fought for the rights of Dalits and played a very imp role in the signing of the Poona Pact, which granted them representation in legislatures. |
| First Law Minister of India | After India gained its independence, Dr. Ambedkar was invited to serve as the country’s first Law Minister. |
| Professor of Political Economy | Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as a Professor of Political Economy at the Sydenham College of Comm. and Econ. in Mumbai in 1918. |
| Columbia University Scholarship | At the age of 22, Dr. Ambedkar won a scholarship to attend Columbia University. |
Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, is celebrated across India, especially among the marginalized communities for whom Ambedkar fought. People commemorate Ambedkar’s statues and portraits with garlands as a sign of respect to the social reformer. Even the United Nations observed Ambedkar Jayanti in the years 2016, 2017, and 2018. Cultural events and discussions about Ambedkar’s life are common practices on this day.
Ambedkar’s philosophy is still relevant today. His active role in shaping India’s socio-cultural system was crucial in making progress from outdated and archaic beliefs to becoming the world’s biggest democracy.
By 1925, he had been appointed to the Bombay Presidency Committee to work with the all-European Simon Commission. During this time, Ambedkar composed a separate set of recommendations for India’s future constitution. In 1927, he launched active anti-untouchability campaigns, starting with public demonstrations and marches to increase access to public drinking water resources. He also fought for the right to enter Hindu temples.
After India gained independence in October 1947, the new Congress-led government invited Ambedkar to serve as the country’s first Law Minister, which he accepted. On August 29, he was appointed Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee by the Assembly, and he was tasked with writing India’s new constitution.
| First Law Minister of India |
|---|
| Dr. BR Ambedkar was the first Law Minister of India. |
| A Law Minister is someone who helps make laws for a country. |
| Dr. Ambedkar worked very hard to make sure that India’s laws were fair and equal for everyone. |
| He helped write the Constitution of India, which is a very important set of laws that tells us how our country should be run. |
| Dr. Ambedkar believed that everyone should be treated the same, no matter what their background or religion was. |
Throughout his life, Ambedkar was a staunch advocate for equality, particularly for underprivileged social classes and women. He incorporated his vision of equal rights for all into several constitutional laws. On April 14, 1928, activist Janardan Sadashiv Ranapisay publicly celebrated Ambedkar’s birthday in Pune, a day now known as “Ambedkar Jayanti.”