Dr. B. R. Ambedkar


Born: 14 April, 1891
Place of Birth: Mhow in Central Provinces (currently Madhya Pradesh)
Parents: Ramji Maloji Sakpal (father) and Bhimabai Murbadkar Sakpal (mother)
Spouse: Ramabai Ambedkar (1906-1935); Dr. Sharada Kabir rechristened Savita Ambedkar (1948-1956)
Education: Elphinstone High School, University of Bombay, Columbia University, London School of Economics
Associations: Samata Sainik Dal, Independent Labour Party, Scheduled Castes Federation
Political Ideology: Right winged; Equalism
Religious Beliefs: Hinduism by birth; Buddhism 1956 onwards
Publications: Essays on Untouchables and Untouchability, The Annihilation of Caste, Waiting for a Visa
Passed Away: 6, December, 1956


Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a jurist, social reformer and politician. He is also known as the Father of Indian Constitution. A well-known politician and an eminent jurist, his efforts to eradicate social evils like untouchablity and caste restrictions were remarkable. Throughout his life, he fought for the rights of the dalits and other socially backward classes. Ambedkar was appointed as India’s first Law Minister in the Cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1990.
Childhood & Early Life
Bhimrao Ambedkar was born to Bhimabai and Ramji on 14 April 1891 in Mhow Army Cantonment, Central Provinces (Madhya Pradesh). Ambedkar’s father was a Subedar in the Indian Army and after his retirement in 1894, the family moved to Satara, also in Central Provinces. Shortly after this, Bhimrao’s mother passed away. Four years later, his father remarried and the family shifted to Bombay. In 1906, 15 year old Bhimrao married Ramabai, a 9 year old girl. His father Ramji Sakpal died in Bombay, in 1912.
Throughout his childhood, Ambedkar faced the stigmas of caste discrimination. Hailing from the Hindu Mahar caste, his family was viewed as “untouchable” by the upper classes. The discrimination and humiliation haunted Ambedkar at the Army school. Fearing social outcry, the teachers would segregate the students of lower class from that of Brahmins and other upper classes. The untouchable students were often asked by the teacher to sit outside the class. After shifting to Satara, he was enrolled at a local school but the change of school did not change the fate of young Bhimrao. Discrimination followed wherever he went. After coming back from the US, Ambedkar was appointed as the Defence secretary to the King of Baroda but there also he had to face the humiliation for being an ‘Untouchable’.


Education
He cleared his matriculation in 1908 from Elphinstone High School. In 1908, Ambedkar got the opportunity to study at the Elphinstone College and obtained his graduate degree in Economics and Political Science in the year 1912 from Bombay University. Besides clearing all the exams successfully Ambedkar also obtained a scholarship of twenty five rupees a month from the Gaekwad ruler of Baroda, Sahyaji Rao III. Ambedkar decided to use the money for higher studies in the USA. He enrolled in the Columbia University in New York City to study Economics. He completed his Master’s degree in June 1915 after successfully completing his thesis titled ‘Ancient Indian Commerce’.
In 1916, he enrolled in the London School of Economics  started working on his doctoral thesis titled “The problem of the rupee: Its origin and its solution”. With the help of the former Bombay Governor Lord Sydenham, Ambedkar became a professor of political economy at the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Bombay. In order to continue his further studies, he went to England in 1920 at his own expense. There he was received the D.Sc by the London University. Ambedkar also spent a few months at the University of Bonn, Germany, to study economics. He received his PhD degree in Economics in 1927. On 8 June, 1927, he was awarded a Doctorate by the University of Columbia.

Movement Against Caste Discrimination
After returning to India, Bhimrao Ambedkar decided to fight against the caste discrimination that plagued him throughout his life. In his testimony before the Southborough Committee in preparation of the Government of India Act in 1919, Ambedkar opined that there should be separate electoral system for the Untouchables and other marginalised communities. He contemplated he idea of reservations for Dalits and other religious outcasts.
Ambedkar began to find ways to reach to the people and make them understand the drawbacks of the prevailing social evils. He launched a newspaper called “Mooknayaka” (leader of the silent) in 1920 with the assistance of Shahaji II, the Maharaja of Kolkapur. It is said that after hearing his speech at a rally, Shahu IV, an influential ruler of Kolhapur, dined with the leader. The incident also created a huge uproar in the socio-political arena of the country.

Ambedkar started his legal career after passing the Bar course in Gray’s Inn. He applied his litigious skills in advocating cases of caste discrimination. His resounding victory in defending several non-Brahmin leaders accusing the Brahmins of ruining India, established the bases of his future battles.

By 1927, Ambedkar launched full-fledged movements for Dalit rights. He demanded public drinking water sources open to all and right for all castes to enter temples. He openly condemned Hindu Scriptures advocating discrimination and arranged symbolic demonstrations to enter the Kalaram Temple in Nashik.
In 1932, the Poona Pact was signed between Dr. Ambedkar and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, representative of the Hindu Brahmins relinquishing reservation of seats for the untouchable classes in the Provisional legislatures, within the general electorate. These classes were later designated as Scheduled Classes and Scheduled Tribes.


Political Career
In 1936, Ambedkar founded the Independent Labor Party. In the 1937 elections to the Central Legislative Assembly, his party won 15 seats. Ambedkar oversaw the transformation of his political party into the All India Scheduled Castes Federation, although it performed poorly in the elections held in 1946 for the Constituent Assembly of India.
Ambedkar objected to the decision of the Congress and Mahatma Gandhi to call the untouchable community as Harijans. He would say that even the members of untouchable community are same as the other members of the society. Ambedkar was appointed on the Defence Advisory Committee and the Viceroy’s Executive Council as Minister for Labor.
His reputation as a scholar led to his appointment as free India’s first Law Minister and chairman of the committee responsible to draft a constitution for independent India.
Framer of the Constitution of India
Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as the chairman of the constitution drafting committee on August 29, 1947. Ambedkar emphasized on the construction of a virtual bridge between all classes of the society. According to him, it would be difficult to maintain the unity of the country if the difference among the classes were not met. He put particular emphasis on religious, gender and caste equality. He was successful in receiving support of the Assembly to introduce reservation for members of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in education, government jobs and civil services.


Br Ambedkar & Conversion to Buddhism

In 1950, Ambedkar travelled to Sri Lanka to attend a convention of Buddhist scholars and monks. After his return he decided to write a book on Buddhism and soon, converted to Buddhism. In his speeches, Ambedkar lambasted the Hindu rituals and caste divisions. Ambedkar founded the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha in 1955. His book, "The Buddha and His Dhamma" was published posthumously.

On October 14, 1956 Ambedkar organized a public ceremony to convert around five lakh of his supporters to Buddhism. Ambedkar traveled to Kathmandu to attend the Fourth World Buddhist Conference. He completed his final manuscript, "The Buddha or Karl Marx" on December 2, 1956.

Death

Since 1954-55 Ambedkar was suffering from serious health problems including diabetes and weak eyesight. On 6 December, 1956 he died at his home in Delhi. Since, Ambedkar adopted Buddhism as his religion, a Buddhist-style cremation was organized for him. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of thousands of supporters, activists and admirers. 

Get books 

:- 1.Pakistan Or the Partition of India

2.Shudron Ki Khoj Who Were The Shudras

3Writing and Speeches Of Ambedkar

Project and Partners

"Rahul, I need Ms Preethi Sharia in my cabin right now!," ordered Mr Aarnav to his assistant as he was turning her file pages

"Yes sir", Rahul nodded and moved out

A few jiffies passed by, Mr Aarnav raised his head when his sight caught Preethi standing at the door step

"Sir may come in?", Preethi asked peeping her head inside a bit

"Yes, Ms Preethi, "

"Thank you, sir", Preethi sauntered in front his table

"I would come to the point directly, I knew you have arrived lately to this office but in your previous files you have several appreciations written here, by your high officers that impressed me greatly", paused Aarnav glimpsing at her records

"Thank you, sir", a shy smile spread across her pink lips

"I noticed the point that you just had a transfer from your earlier branch to this branch but the work is exactly same Ms Preethi, there would be no difference with the work so I guess we need not instruct anything to you", Aarna continued making his fingers crossed upon each other

"Yes sir, I knew it", Preethi nodded her head

"Would you mind if I give you an inportant project on your first day of the job Ms Preethi?"

A positive smile arose over her lips, before she could respond Mr Aarnav let out a few words

"I believe you are capable of doing this project"

Her lips twitched with pride "I would be honoured to do this project sir!"

Mr Aarnav was pleased as punch, "I would thank you a billion times Ms Preethi, but I would like to refer our chief executive Mr Ajay Dev, as your partner! He really helps a lot in this project!"

"Fine Sir,"

"He is a good man but quite a naughtiness and kindness is sheltered in him but he will encourage you and boost the project perfectly!",  Mr Aarnav exclaimed

" Oh", wondered Preethi as she was knowing about him deliberately

"So, I would bring him here and then we can have a small discussion about this project," said Mr Aarnav signalling at Rahul to call Ajay immediately

"By then you can put up with the seat Ms Preethi," said Mr Aarnav pointing at the chair in front of his desk

"So Preethi, you have to work with him together for 3 months, Is it comfortable for you?", Mr Aarnav asked meanwhile trying to make up a conversation

"Yes sir, there isn't issue with that! Literally, I didn't even imagine you would give me an important project on my first day of duty", Preethi expressed her emotions

" No Ms Preethi, You can do hard things! You can do the project excellently, it was said by your earlier branch head officer Mr Rakesh"

"Sir, did you call me?", Ajay asked quelling at the doorstep

"Oh yes Mr Ajay, come in!"

Then Ajay ambled inside and stayed behind Preethi, he glanced at her but couldn't see her face as her hair was hiding it

"Sir, Can I know why you've called me?", Ajay inquired gazing back at Aarnav

"Oh yes, Mr Ajay! I'm thinking to handle a I'm major project to you with Ms Preethi Sharia,as your partner", Aarnav elucidated

"Oh, okay sir!"

"Would you mind taking it?"

"No sir, I'm glad to accept it!",

Preethi overlooked Ajay,their sights didn't come together each other still! Let's see what happens if they meet!

"So Ms Preethi he is Mr Ajay," Mr Aarnav introduced, pointing behind her with his hand

Preethi then turned back as she was standing up and Ajay was about to offer his hand for a shakehand but their thoughts and reactionsq halted for a second, when they met face to face!
He got perplexed seeing her, Preethi reflected the exact reaction on her face

He took a you me take at her, his jaw almost dropped on the floor, Preethi jumped out of her skin realizing who is her partner!

"Are you both okay?", Aarnav asked peering at their bewildered expressions

"S-Sir, Is she my partner?" stammered Ajay glancing at Aarnav often but mostly at Preethi

"Yes, Ms Preethi is your partner!", replied Aarnav simply

"No! No! I can't be a partner for a rude guy like him!", Preethi said confronting Ajay

"What happened Ms Preethi? Is there any problem?" inquired Aarnav

"Excuse me, I'm not a rude person, actually it's you!", Ajay yelled losing his temper gradually for her violent words

"Yes! You are a person who won't accept his mistake!", Preethi said in a black mood

"It's your mistake!", Ajay shouted pointing his index finger at Preethi

"Yours too!" said Preethi expressing Ajay's movement

"Sir may I come in?" a girl interrupted

"Not now Shreya! Please come afterwards!" said Aarnav, Shreya took a glance at the fight that's taking place and didn't understand the reason for argument nor questioned regardless she left silently

"Excuse me!" said Mr Aarnav

"What happened? Why you both are arguing like this?", Mr Aarnav pleaded

"Sir first tell her to get off my back!", Ajay warned

"Sir I may twist his finger now if he won't keep it down!", Preeti alerted in return

"Both of you please calm down!", requested Mr Aarnav, although neither of them obeyed

"Ajay! You are a senior to her, you mustn't behave like this!", Mr Aarnav notified

"Shit!" mumbled Ajay respecting Aarnav's command and so did Preethi behind

"Can I know what happened between you both?", Mr Aarnav appealed

"Sir, actually-" Preethi was about to explain while Ajay interrupted

"Sir I will say!", Ajay asserted

"This liar will spoil the real incident and accident!" he muttered gritting his teeth

"Excuse me Mister! I'm already saying!", Preethi argued again!

"You are a new joiner! So shut up your nasty mouth and be quiet!", obviously these violent words were uttered by Ajay

"Stop it!" shouted Aarnav getting mad with their arguements

"I don't need any explanations now!" he shrieked

Preethi and Ajay glanced at each other and bowed their heads for their stupid actions, Aarnav sighed and tried saying in a soft manner:

"Ms Preethi, I don't know what are the disputes between you both! But this project is truly and extremely important to our company! If we lose it with your quarrels then we have to undergo a lot!"

Ajay and Preethi glanced at each other's faces often with no expression

"Mr.Ajay, you have been taking up all the important projects that have been approaching our company and you have succeeded very adequately, if we lose this valuable project that has come from the foreign one, our company will have a serious failure",  Aarnav explained things and facts

Ajay glanced at Preethi and lowered his gaze and questioned:

"Okay sir, Isn't there any other person for this project?"

"Actually Mr Ajay you know our Company guider Ms Girija Kumari is in her pregnancy and we cannot stress her now in this important project! It may affect both her baby as well as our company too" said Aarnav

Ajay inclined his head to one side and took a deep breath dealing with all his anger

"It's my pleasure working with you," he said giving his hand to Preethi

Preeti hesitated to give and glanced at Mr Aarnav, with no other choice left for her, she joined her hand with his and said:

"Same to you Mr Ajay"

"Thank you so much for your both concern and now can you both select a date when you will submit the project?", Mr Aarnav was quite pleased with the change

"We both will discuss that and will inform you tomorrow sir," declared openly Preethi

"Very good! I like that spirit! If we succeed in this project you both and the company may get attain with huge amount of money too!", he lauded

"So, here is the project, you just have a glance at it and inform me your submission date!", he handed the project file to Ajay's hand

"Okay sir, thank you," said Preethi leaving with Ajay behind

*****

So hey guys! How is the story? What do you think of Ajay and Preethi? Will they be like this FOR NOW & FOREVER?

The Dreaming Priest

The Dreaming Priest

Long time ago there lived a priest who was extremely lazy and poor at the same time. He did not want to do any hard work but used to dream of being rich one day. He got his food by begging for alms. One morning he got a pot of milk as part of the alms. He was extremely delighted and went home with the pot of milk. He boiled the milk, drank some of it and put the remaining milk in a pot. He added slight curds in the pot for converting the milk to curd. He then lay down to sleep.

Soon he started imagining about the pot of curd while he lay asleep. He dreamed that if he could become rich somehow all his miseries would be gone. His thoughts turned to the pot of milk he had set to form curd. He dreamed on; "By morning the pot of milk would set, it would be converted to curd. I would churn the curd and make butter from it. I would heat the butter and make ghee out of it. I will then go to that market and sell that ghee, and make some money. With that money i will buy a hen. The hen will lay may eggs which will hatch and there will be many chicken. These chicken will in turn lay hundreds of eggs and I will soon have a poultry farm of my own." He kept on imagining.

"I will sell all the hens of my poultry and buy some cows, and open a milk dairy. All the town people will buy milk from me. I will be very rich and soon I shall buy jewels. The king will buy all the jewels from me. I will be so rich that I will be able to marry an exceptionally beautiful girl from a rich family. Soon I will have a handsome son. If he does any mischief I will be very angry and to teach him a lesson, I will hit him with a big stick."During this dream, he involuntarily picked up the stick next to his bed and thinking that he was beating his son, raised the stick and hit the pot. The pot of milk broke and he awoke from his day dream.

Moral: There is no substitute for hard work. Dreams cannot be fulfilled without hard work.