Sure — here’s a concise history of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, one of India’s greatest leaders, thinkers, and social reformers.
Early Life
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Full Name: Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
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Born: 14 April 1891, in Mhow (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh
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Family Background: He was born into a Mahar (Dalit) family, considered “untouchable” in the Hindu caste hierarchy.
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Struggles: Faced severe discrimination and humiliation due to his caste, even as a child in school — he was not allowed to sit with other students or touch the same water source.
Education
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Despite hardships, Ambedkar was a brilliant student.
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Degrees:
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B.A. from Elphinstone College, Bombay (1912)
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M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University, USA (1915–1917)
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D.Sc. (Economics) from the London School of Economics
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Bar-at-Law from Gray’s Inn, London
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He was one of the most educated Indians of his time.
Social Reformer
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Ambedkar dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and social inequality.
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He founded several organizations to uplift the Dalits and oppressed classes, including:
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Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha (1924)
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Scheduled Castes Federation (1942)
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Key Movements:
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Mahad Satyagraha (1927): For the right of Dalits to draw water from public tanks.
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Temple Entry Movement: To allow Dalits to enter Hindu temples.
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Burning of Manusmriti (1927): As a protest against caste-based discrimination sanctioned by the text.
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Political Career
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Ambedkar was a strong advocate for political rights and representation for Dalits.
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Poona Pact (1932): An agreement between Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi on political representation for the depressed classes.
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Independent Labour Party (1936): Founded by Ambedkar to represent workers and Dalits.
Role in Constitution of India
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Position: Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly of India.
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He is widely known as the Architect of the Indian Constitution.
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He ensured that the Constitution guaranteed:
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Equality before law
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Abolition of untouchability (Article 17)
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Fundamental Rights and social justice
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Later Life
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Ambedkar served as India’s first Law Minister (1947–1951).
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Deeply disillusioned with caste discrimination within Hinduism, he converted to Buddhism along with millions of followers on 14 October 1956 in Nagpur.
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This event marked the Dalit Buddhist Movement in India.
Death and Legacy
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Died: 6 December 1956, New Delhi
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Honored Titles:
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“Father of the Indian Constitution”
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“Baba Saheb” — a term of respect and affection
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Posthumous Recognition:
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Awarded Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian award) in 1990.
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His birthday, 14 April, is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti across India.
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Philosophy and Beliefs
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Key Ideals:
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Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
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Social and economic democracy
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Education as the path to empowerment
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Famous quote: “Educate, Agitate, Organize.”
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