Dr ambedkar by Beacon way

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol.: 22,

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Photobiography

Prof. Hari Narke Design by - Sanju Hinge Script by - Sangeeta Pawar Edited by -

2010 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra, Barrack No. 18, Opp. Mantralaya, Mumbai 400021.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol.: 22, Photobiography, edited by Prof. Hari Narke, Published by: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra, First Edition : 14th April 2010.

© All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whether electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher. This publication has been prepared by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source

© Publisher: Principal Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Govt. of Maharashtra. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra, Barrack No. 18, Opp. Mantralaya, Mumbai 400021.

Material Publication Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra, Mantralaya Mumbai. To the best of our knowledge, the information set out in this publication is correct as on 14th April, 2010. Although every effort has been made by publisher to ensure accuracy of the information, the publishers accepts no legal responsibility whatsoever for

Price: Printed at: Tien-Wah Press Ltd. Design by:

Sanju Hinge Assistance :

Sanjay Mahajan, Sameer Kulkarni

Processing by :

any consequences that may arise from errors or omissions contained in this publication or from any opinions or advice given on the basis of information contained in

Dedicated

this publication. The object of the present publication

To all those devoted artists, spread across the boundaries of time and space, Who brought forth the revered ‘Bodhisatva Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s philosophy, through words, sculptures and photographs.

is to compile Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s writings on a variety of topics and collection of letters & photographs. The state Govt. has brought together these writings and photographs in the form of present publication.

Beacon Way P U B L I C A T I O N S

Script by:

Sangeeta Pawar Photo collection by:

Photo Album Sub Committee

U.S. Library of Congress Catalogue card No. 79-905592, IE 33622. Ambedkar, Bhimrao Ramji, 1891-1956. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speaches Vol. 1-22, (Price varies for each vol.) 1

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule and Rajarshi Shahu Source Material Publication Committee upto 29th Sept. 2008

Hon’ble Dilip Walse Patil

Chairman

Minister for Energy, Medical Edu., High & Tech. Edu.

Hon’b1e Shri. Rajesh Tope Chairman

Minister of High & Tech. Edu.

Hon’ble Suresh Shetty

Member

Shri. Ramdas Athawle Shri. Prakash Ambedkar Prof. Nitin Raut Prof. Janardan Chandurkar Shri. T. M. Kamble Dr. Janardan Waghmare Shri. Laxman Mane Shri. N. D. Patil Dr. Baba Adhav Dr. A. H. Salunkhe Dr. Jaysinghrao Pawar Prof. Ramesh Jadhav Dr. M. L. Kasare Prof. Vilas Sangave Shri. N.G. Kamble Principal Secretary, High & Tech. Edu.

Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

Minister Of State High & Tech. Edu.

Hon’ble Varsha Gaikwad Vice-Chairman Minister of State for High & Tech. Edu.

Hon’ble Shri. Nitin Raut Member Minister of Animal Husbandary, Dairy Dev.

Dr. Janardan Waghmare, Member Member of Rajyasabha

Adv. Prakash Ambedkar Member Shri. Ramdas Athawale Member Prof. Janardan Chandurkar Member Prof. Jogendra Kawade Member Shri Laxman Mane Member Shri. T. M. Kamble Member Dr. Baba Adhav Member Dr. A.H. Salunkhe Member Dr. Jaysingh Pawar Member Prof. Ramesh Jadhav Member Prof. Dr. Raosaheb Kasabe Member Shri. N. G. Kamble Member Shri. J. S. Sahariya Member

Member Director, Govt. Printing and Pub. Member Director, High. Edu. Convener Prof. Hari Narke Member Secretary

Principal Secretary, High, & Tech. Edu.

Shri P. G. Gosavi Member

Director, Govt. Printing and Pub.

Dr. R. V. Kirdak Convener Director, High. & Tech. Edu.

Prof. Datta Bhagat Member Secretary

It gives me great satisfaction to present the Photo biography of, ‘Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’, during the golden jubilee year of Maharashtra. It certainly shall be an only one of its kind gift to the people of Maharashtra. All his life, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar constantly took utmost care that the country’s freedom and social progress do not contradict each other. He gave the call “I am first an Indian and last an Indian” and took tremendous efforts to instill it into everyone; he maintained the balance between equality and patriotism. In the era of dictatorship, ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji’ brought in an era of democracy. While Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar led the people from the wild fire of disparities towards the solace of justice, both of them are the revered icons of Maharashtra. It is due to them that the youth of Maharashtra are efficiently seeking the various paths of progress. I am sure that this Photo biography shall certainly inspire them in the process. I wish to congratulate Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee’s member - secretary Prof. Datta Bhagat, former membersecretary and editor, Prof. Hari Narke and all members and their associates.

Since the last quarter of the century, the education department has been propagating the ideas of Mahatma Phule, Rajarshi Shahu and Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. During this endeavour, the publication of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Photo biography during the golden jubilee year of Maharashtra, is an event that should be etched in golden words. It shall not be wrong to say that the dreams seen by Mahatma Phule for people’s welfare transformed into realities by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s actions. The pictorial history of such a great personality shall certainly fascinate people of all ages. The war between Politics and Social work began to end with the industriousness of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. That is why we acknowledge him as the ‘Yug Purush’. Without any doubt his photo biography shall prove to be an inspiration to all. I wish to express gratitude to Prof. Hari Narke, editor and former membersecretary for keeping the prerequisite of this volume ready, while Prof. Datta Bhagat the present member-secretary for giving this volume the form of a holy-book. After reading, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Photo biography, the flustered youth of today shall certainly witness their strong intellectual wealth.

Hon. Ashok Chavan,

Hon. Chhagan Bhujbal,

Photo Album Sub Committee

(From 20th January 1995 to 30th April 1997)

• Kewaldas Bansod • Chandrakant Mugale • V.G. Surwade • Pramod Ramteke • Dinkar Bansode • Bhikkhu Sumedh ( • R.R. Patil from 20th Jan 1996) • Principal, J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai (• Prof. A.S. Takalkar, From 20th Jan 1996) • O.S.D. - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee.

Chief Minister, Maharashtra.

Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra.

It gives me immense pleasure to present, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s photo biography to millions of readers in and outside Maharashtra on the momentous occasion of his birth anniversary. The photo biography is the initiative of the Higher and Technical Education Ministry. The volume has been presented in a pictorial form; hence it will prove to be useful and inspirational for all ages. Though people do not keep faith on miracles, they often find themselves confronted with miracles, which seems to increase blind faith. But when we see the life of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who reconstructed the 2000 year old human values and the principles based on it, it seems to be incredible but a real miracle. His stupendous success while overcoming obstacles in difficult situations presents the triad Determination, Patriotism and Sympathy towards Human Rights that his life manifests. It is indeed praiseworthy of Prof. Datta Bhagat member - secretary, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee. and editor Prof. Hari Narke and all the other honorary members and also the concerned administrative officers who took great efforts to publish this volume.

Dr. Baabasaheb Ambedkar’s Photo biography is a unique gift to the global especially people of Maharashtra during it’s the Golden Jubilee year of Maharashtra. Words are endeared when immersed in emotions and if they are presented through pictures, it shall certainly leave a lasting effect. The 21st century bears the stamp of his work, many youngsters repent, that they could not personally see this great ‘Yug Purush’, they can see him through this volume, it shall certainly prove an inspiration to them. For those elderly who have, had at least a glimpse of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, this photo biography shall recreate the enlightened past for them. While being a part of your happiness, I and my associates are especially happy that due to our efforts we could bring this moment to you. Congratulation to all the members of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee, especially Member- Secretary Prof. Datta Bhagat and Former Member- Secretary and Editor, Prof. Hari Narke.

Shri Rajesh Tope

Mrs. Varsha Gaikwad

Minister of High. & Tech. Education, Maharashtra

Minister of State for High. & Tech. Education, Maharashtra

Editorial The government of Maharashtra had convened a subcommittee on 20th January 1995 to publish this coffee table tome of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Biography. This subcommittee worked until 30th April 1997, for about two and quarter years. This subcommittee comprised of dignitaries whose names have been printed at page no. 2. The committee requested rare photographs of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar from the followers of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, photographers, collectors and to public in general via national newspapers, All India Radio and Doordarshan. The request of the committee was well publicized by newspapers, especially Maharashtra Times and Loksatta. The committee had a good response. Many a people sent the rare photographs to the committee office and the members of the subcommittee. Many institutions like Films Division, J J School of Arts, many photo studios and other organizations were contacted. People sent photocopies of photographs published in many newspapers, magazines and books. Many of these photographs were reprinted from reprints, thus fudged, and not useful for printing. Of course, we also got some good for printing pictures. The members of the subcommittee also made the pictures with them available to the committee. This entire collection was handed over to member of the subcommittee Sh. Kewaldas Bansod. He was given the responsibility to get hold of new pictures, scanning of old photos, touching them, making printable copies of them and arranging them to make a dummy. The members Sh. Chandrakant Mugale, Vijay Survade, Pramod Ramteke & R. R. Patil, assisted him. Towards this, the government paid, Sh. Kewaldas Bansod due amount spent and honorarium. Sh. Bansod arranged the photocopies and presented a copy of this dummy to the committee on 8th February 1999. He submitted a small list of footnotes to the committee on 24th August 2000. In a letter dated 24th August, 1999 the then committee member secretary Late Sh. Vasant Moon had recorded that Sh. Bansod did not collect a single new photograph during this period. The official records show that Sh. Bansod asked the government for traveling expenses to visit Delhi and other places. He also asked for a 10% apartment from the Chief Ministers quota. His further communication establishes that since these demands were not met, he was seemingly not happy with the whole affaire. There is a note in the official documents that some 78 photographs were sent to Sh. Vijay Survade and he received the same. Since I was given the responsibility of the committee in August 2002, I decided to give priority to the printing of this coffee table biography and handed over these photographs to the Government Press in September, 2002. They informed that it would take many efforts to make these photographs printable. In order that these rare photographs are not lost from the Government Press the Deputy Director of this Department gave written instructions to the Manager and once he sent us the letter regarding the rare letters of Chhatrapati Shivaji being misplaced, I had to take a decision to ask for these photographs back for the safety reasons and keep them safe in the committee office. In the meanwhile, since the committee took a decision to print this tome of photographs the last, the Chairman of the committee instructed to print it after publication

of Volume 21. The dummy prepared by the subcommittee was found preliminary and not satisfactory to the Chairman. Thus, it had to be kept aside. Hon. Dilip Walse Patil, the then Minister of Higher and Technical Education and Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Book Publication Committee ordered to get these photographs retouched and processed using latest equipment and to search for new experts to ensure that this album is of international quality. The Dean of J. J. School of Arts, Shri. Rajadhakshya recommended that, ‘Since this job is a prestigious publication and the photographs involved are rare they need proper effect and handling, if done at professional level it will happen well because of better equipment and the photographs are the main attraction of the book.’ Shri. Pramod Ramteke, a member of the subcommittee had also recommended that the retouching, finishing jobs should be done by an outside expert. Upon instructions of Shri. Walse Patil this was handed over to the expert Shri. Sanju Hinge. These photos were in a tattered condition. Many of their conditions were required standards for printing. Since many of them were reprints of reprints, they had many anomalies. Shri. Hinge took efforts to remove these defects and enlarge these photographs as per the requirement. The equipment used for this, by him is the best in the world. The reputation of Shri. Hinge in this field is legendary. It was essential to bring out the greatness of a man like Dr. Ambedkar in these pictures, for this purpose Shri. Hinge and I as the editor worked months on end. I sat with him for hours. Gave instructions. Got the job done the way it was expected. In the meanwhile, I also collected some photos and conducted research on the script. Shri. Walse Patil suggested that if a brief biography of Dr. Ambedkar was provided with the photos instead of footnotes it would enhance the usefulness of the tome. He assigned this job to Mrs. Sangeeta Pawar. I made available many a reference books to Mrs. Pawar for this purpose. We had many rounds of discussion. Many sessions were dedicated to the manner of the biography, language, selection of incidents, choice of words etc. Mrs. Pawar took lots of efforts. I carefully read the matter and had it corrected. It was rewritten. Many new good suggestions came out of the discussions with Prof. Datta Bhagat & Shri. Shuddhodan Aher. To make this biography useful for students, new literate and semi-literates, it is written in an interesting manner. The Government Press has always given good co-operation to the committee. Even though the equipment available with them is not latest, all the productions of the committee have turned out good because of them. This time the job of printing was huge and beyond their means. It required lots of modernization at the Government Press. Apart from this it was necessary to get the photos processed from outside. This volume was to be published in 2008-2009. This was postponed because of the non-cooperation of Dr. M. L. Kasare by about a year. The vigor displayed by Minister of High & Technical Education Shri. Rajesh Tope and especially Minister of State, Ms. Varsha Gaikwad is quite exemplary. This tome would not have been published without the day night follow up by Hon. Ms. Varsha Gaikwad on 14th April. It is my duty to thank this minister duo and former Minster and currently Hon’ble Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Shri. Dilip Walse Patil.

At this place, the first phase of ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, writings & Speeches’ project stands completed. I am elated that these 22 volumes and two volumes of references i.e. a total of 24 volumes of the collected literature, photographs, letters and rare documents are being published after a lots of problems. There ought to be a large amount of literature yet to be collected, edited and published on and about Dr. Ambedkar. I thought it should be twenty volumes more of it. I tried my level best to achieve that. Adverse situations, non cooperation and lack of human power did not let me see it through. There is a big challenge of Marathi translation project, Subject wise Dr. Ambedkar, Ambedkar Encyclopedia, new editions of all the exhausted volumes in front of Prof. Datta Bhagat. The job of completion of this belated volume is happening only thanks to clean back up of Prof. Datta Bhagat. I am thankful to Shri. Shuddhodhan Aher. While thanking everyone who co-operated in seeing this project through, if I forget anyone then she/he should forgive me. I was appointed the Member Secretary of Mahatma Phule Source Material Publication Committee on 28th December 1990. While seeing this through, I had the honour of the company of the Member Secretary of The Dr. Ambedkar Committee Shri. Vasant Moon. Post his sad demise, I was given charge of this committee as well. I took care of both these committees from 23th August 2002 to 30 June 2006, a span of four years. For the next two years I was taking care of these responsibilities along with my full time responsibility as a Professor and Head of the Department of Mahatma Phule Chair at Pune University. On 30th September 2008, Dr. M. L. Kasare was appointed as the Member Secretary of Dr. Ambedkar Committee. He did nothing in a complete year. Then the responsibility was handed over to Prof. Datta Bhagat on 24th July 2009. He worked hard to give pace to the publication work. This volume is getting published because of his relentless follow up. It is my responsibility to present the brief report of my works during those six years. For last few years, Shri. Vasant Moon was unwell. He had published 16 important volumes during 26 years. His 17th Volume of ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, writings & speeches’ had faults and so its sales had to be stopped. The volume had to be taken back. We had to re-edit this volume. We published three books of it. Because of this, the Government resolved that for the errors in published books the Member Secretary would be held responsible. This restricted future work and the pace could not be maintained. We published 3 books of Volume 18. We published Volume 19 and 20. In this job Dr. M. L. Kasare, N. G. Kamble & Prof. Ashok Godghate, assisted me. I am thanking them all. I published Volume 21, a different volume of letters. Thus in all 9 books got published during my tenure. In 2008, I published a new Edition of ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, writings & speeches Vol. 2’as well as new editions of Mukanayak and Bahishkrit Bharat. Started the work of reprint of Volume 1, 7 & 8. The work of Marathi translation was held up for a quite a while. I decided to take Volume 1 to 4 and 6 for publication simultaneously. The press copies were prepared and handed over to the Government Press. This work could not take expected pace, as the

committee did not have a single proofreader. Had we a proof reader the job could have been done long back. Anyway, this job was full of problems. The translation of Volume 1 was full of errors. Most of it had to be done again. As the translator of Volume 2 (Prof. P. S. Nerurkar) had passed away, discussions were impossible. Prof. A. N. Pednekar, working on Volume 3 also passed away in the meanwhile. Since the translators themselves could take a look at Volume 4 and 6, it was done. As there was the thought that the Volumes of translations should be published sequentially, it did not seem proper to publish these volumes out of sequence. By completing the proof reading of these volumes, around 75% of the work towards publication was completed. I handed over the work of Marathi Translation of Volume 5 and 7 to 17, to various experts. Of which the translations of Volume 9 and 12 became available. Remarks from experts were taken on these. Their press copies were made. Thus a total; of 11 books were published during this period. 75% work on 10 books was done. Many other books got under stream. As the committee did not have a single Proof reader, Researcher or Editorial Assistant, I had to do this single-handedly. During this period, I also had the work from Mahatma Phule and Rajarshi Shahu committees. I was also publishing their books. Mrs. S. M. Nevrekar, Staff of the Committee assisted me during this. I also thank well-wishers of the committee, Principal Machhindra Wahul, Devdas Baankar, Sh. Pramod Chunchuwar, Sh. Mohan Sardar, Prof. Anand Ubale, Prof. Gautam Ambhore and Prof. Rakesh Ramteke. I could do this during a small tenure of six years under adverse conditions. I received a lot of love from Ambedkariet People. I am greatful to them. Had the conditions been more conducive, I could have achieved more. I am obliged to the Hon. Ministers, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Director and the Committee Members for their guidance. The obligations of all the dignitaries, various organizations, studios will remain forever. I strongly remember Late Vasant Moon. The guidance from Hon. Chief Minister Shri. Ashok Chavan, Hon. Dy. Chief Minister Shri. Chhagan Bhujbal during the committee work was very helpful. Special thanks to all the Members of the subcommittee. Heartfelt thanks to Shri. Sanju Hinge and Mrs. Sangeeta Pawar. Jai Bheem ! Jai Bharat !!

Prof. Hari Narke,

Editor, Member Secretary – Mahatma Phule Source Material Publication Committee, Former - Member Secretary, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar S. M. P. Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra, Barrack No. 18, Opp. Mantralaya, Mumbai 400021. Tel.: 022-22835610.

22nd March 2010

From the Member Secretary’s Desk It is a global phenomenon to commemorate the image of highly respected, great men in words, paintings or sculptures. This very wish created the great sculptures of Ajanta & Ellora. In recent times the technology of photography came in vogue and even this art form is used to immortalize the greats. This is the era of ‘Photo-biography’ to present the life of the great men. The said photographical volume cannot be called ‘Photobiography’ in that sense. Instead, it is sequential presentation of as many photographs of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar became available. Thus this collection of photos is accompanied with prose biography. This photographical biography is an integration of both the forms. Prof. Hari Narke has edited this Volume before I took over. Only Ministerial sanctions and some technical problems were remaining. I gave information about all this situation to the current Chairman, Shri, Rajesh Tope (Minster) and Vice-Chairperson Hon. Prof. Varsha Gaikwad. That is why she gave her word to the delegation from Nagpur that operation to get the 22nd Volume should be on. In a meeting of concerned officers held on 14th January, 2010 Hon. Rajesh Tope (Minister) gave orders to publish this volume. Not only this, he also suggested that follow up meetings should be arranged under the aegis of Hon. Prof. Varsha Gaikwad (ViceChairperson). After this some official and unofficial meetings took place. The editor of this Volume, Prof. Hari Narke gave ample amount of time. Shri. S. D. Aher was the section officer in charge of this department. In the meanwhile he was promoted to be Under Secretary and he was transferred from this department. But, since he did not get a posting, he on his own started working with the committee. In order to make an international quality project, the job of publication was handed over to ‘Beacon Way’ and its head Sanju Hinge. But the work had stopped because of certain technicalities. This also was one of the delayed work among others and because of its importance, they were asked to complete the job after taking care of the technicalities. The time available for all this was inadequate. But, a unique combination of political willpower, technical aspects and funding took place and it became possible to bring this volume to the readers. The publication of this volume is hugely aided by Deputy Secretary Shri. Tivarekar and Joint-Director Shri. S. G. Gupta. Apart from them, the staff of the committee, especially Mrs. Nevrekar and Under Secretary Shri. S. D. Aher put in a lots of efforts. I feel it important to thank everybody whose efforts saw this project through. The last link in the well laid out chain designed by Late. Vasant Moon and the them Members of the committee to publish the literature of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, is this photobiography . In 1975, we the workers of Nanded had arranged for an exhibition in the Town Hall so that people could view the rare collection of papers and photographs collected by Sh. Vasant Moon. I knew Sh. Moon since then. All the literature and documents of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar were handed over to the Government of Maharshatra through the High Court by his legal heir Shri. Yeshavantrao Ambedkar and Dr. Maisaheb Ambedkar. Shri. Moon handed over his personal collection to the committee. It was enhanced by some committee members and researchers. Based on this material the Government has

so far published 21 Volumes. This Volume 22 is from the same series. Apart from this 2 major Volumes have been published as Source Material. Thus by publishing 24 Volumes this committee of Government of Maharashtra has contributed in a major way to world literature. Currently there is nothing in the archives of the committee. From this stage onwards the committee shall have to move towards searching for new literature by Dr. Babasaheb, collection of that literature, checking credibility of that literature and then editing that literature. This will be a new challenge to this committee. Hon. Dilip Walse Patil has suggested in the Assembly that if necessary total changes shall be made in the nature of the committee. Hon. Rajesh Tope (Minister) has said that this whole process should make available literature for about 20 more Volumes. Vice Chairperson of the Committee Hon. Varsha Gaikwad (Minister of State) has guaranteed continuous follow up. Moreover since the Chief Minister, Hon. Ashok Chavan himself has promised political willpower and funding the current committee will have to move with a different energy. In spite of all this, as the member-secretary, to fulfill the decisions taken by earlier committee and to complete the delayed work, I am starting reprinting, of all unavailable volumes of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar within next two years. By 14th April two such volumes shall be available to the readers. The job of translating the writings of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is pending for long. Even this job shall be given pace this year. In this manner, since the committee now has to work at three levels, it should be necessary to look after procuring office facilities and give pace to work. I sincerely expect, that many researchers, thinkers and people from Ambedkar movement should to co-operate the way they have done before. As this Volume 22 is getting published, some people used harsh language, some people said that peoples’ opinion is paramount importance and some people backed us. Not only this, by issuing Special Notice we were asked to honuor the public opinion. To be frank whatever is called as political willpower is based on the people’s wish. Thus it is this peoples’ power that backed us and it must be thanked here. This Volume is dedicated to artists from these people who have kept the fire of Dr. Babasaheb’s memories burning. By expressing my gratitude for them, I stop here.

Prof. Datta Bhagat Member Secretary Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar S. M. P. Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra, Barrack No. 18, Opp. Mantralaya, Mumbai 400021. Tel.: 022-22835610.

We consider ourselves extremely priviledged, while presenting the Photo biography, of the greatest legend ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’. The process of making this book had its moments of joy and apprehensions, but above all it was enlightening. We have attempted to depict his life through photographs and a brief biography. Though we know that an ocean cannot be confined to a lake, even then we hope you will consider this, as our humble tribute to one of the ‘Greatest Indian, Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’ It was a challenging task to present the 80 year old photographs, nevertheless we have tried our best to maintain an optimum standard.

Sanju Hinge Sangeeta Pawar Beacon Way Publications

“Knowledge is the foundation of a man’s life and every effort must be made to maintain the intellectual stamina of a student and arouse his intellect.”

It is said that the history of the earth is recorded on the rocks of the earth’s crust; rocks have been forming, wearing away and reforming ever since the existence of the earth.

They tell the story of the

changes

that

are

continuously

manifesting on the earth’s crust. Though the complete history of the earth will never be known, we can only assume that the upheaval of land bears the pugmarks of the bygone era.

Humanity’s years on the other hand are a brief moment compared to

the billion years during which the earth has developed. Owing their existence to the theory of evolution, human race thrived on planet earth, paving its path co-linearly with nature.

While correlating the evolution process of both, a strong sense of

resemblance can be sensed; both are the consequence of various forces, albeit the major difference being, natural metamorphosis is slow, definite and proceeds without much apparent resistance; on the contrary the evolution of human mind is slow but with much resistance.

“Personally, I do not like the celebration of my birthday. I am too much of a democrat to relish man-worship which I regard as perversion of democracy”.

Like weathering casts its

repercussions on the earth’s crust, so were human beings exposed to various forces, deriving

the best

from them and thus leading to the creation of various civilizations.

Time was

moving on...

The journey of the primitive man eventually resulted in the dawn of grand cultures, as also to the extinction of some. The process continued; among them were a mass of people who were named as Dalits. Among these Dalits was a mind that harboured a soul that in itself was manifestation of power. Natural and unnatural forces did have their impact on that mind but it did not weather away, in fact it allowed the influences to seep inside it and then precipitate into an ideal which stood to be emulated forever.

What was unique about this mind? This mind

exhibited –an will

power that could even penetrate the sky, self- restraint that belittled the ocean, a towering intellect that rose higher than the Everest, simultaneously possessing an enlightened vision that illuminated the path for millions of generations to come.

“I have always held that Knowledge is Power in every field of life. The Scheduled Castes will not attain their goal of freedom and liberty until they drink deep of all knowledge”.

This unparalled character

is: ‘Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’.

Bhimrao was born on 14th

April 1891 in Mhow near Indore. He belonged to the Mahar community. (Considered to be untouchables previously) His ancestral village was Ambavade in Dapoli or present Mandangad Taluka of Ratnagiri district. His fore fathers had left their hereditary occupations to serve in the Army of East India Company. Likewise his father Ramji Sakpal had also served in the Army. After serving to the rank of the Subhedar he had to retire. He shifted to Ratnagiri and then later to Satara, where the family lived till 1904. His mother Bhimai expired in 1896 when he was only five years old; out of fourteen siblings only five survived, youngest among them was Bhimrao Young Bhimrao was nurtured in a pious environment; Ramji Baba had deep reverence for the Varkari sect and was a follower of the Kabirpanth. Their house reverberated with the recitation of devotional songs and explanation of Holy Scriptures.

“Every student’s character should be built on the five tenets- Education, Wisdom, Sympathy, Humility and Friendship”.

Ramji

Baba

wanted

his

sons to touch different horizons; he therefore shifted to Bombay in 1904. Bhimrao was admitted to the Elphinstone High School, where he completed his matriculation in 1907. His father’s joy knew no bounds; a celebration to felicitate Bhimrao was organized. During the function Satyashodhak Krishnarao Arjun alais Dada Keluskar, an associate of Mahatma Phule presented Bhimrao with a biography of Gautam Buddha authored by him. This incidentally was the first meeting between Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Tathagat Gautam Buddha which eventually changed the course of his life as well as that of Indian history.

In spite of academic success Bhimrao’s mind was not free from the

scars of castesim. One such incident had taken place when Bhimrao was ten year old.

Those were the days when Bhimrao’s father worked as a cashier

at a place called Goregaon in Khatau Taluka, while Bhimrao, his brother and his two sons of his elder sister lived in Satara along with their aunt.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let us remember not failure but low aim is a crimeâ&#x20AC;?.

During the summer vacations, it was decided that Bhimrao and his brothers would spend their holidays along with their father.

With

great

excitement,

preparations were made for the train journey. Along with his elder brother and two nephews, he set out for Goregaon. The train took them till Masur, the nearest railway station to Goregaon from where their father was supposed to make arrangements for them to reach Goregaon. Hours went by but there was no one who came for them. Taking notice of the well dressed children, the station master made inquiries and was about to help them but as soon as he came to know about their caste, he left them to their fate. Bhimraoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother tried to hire a cart for them but none of them were ready to take the kids as their presence would pollute them and their cart.

Later with intervention of the stationmaster, one cart owner was ready

to take them, provided they drove the cart themselves, while he walked along. Thus began their journey, hungry and thirsty, there seemed no end to the ordeal of these innocent children. In spite of having food and they could not eat it, as no one would have given them water to drink.

“The progress of the country should be measured by the progress of the women.”

The journey seemed unending. They decided to stop over for the night, obviously while the cart driver slept in a small hut; they had spent the night under the open sky. In the morning they reached Goregoan – tired and exhausted due to want of food and water. Their father was surprised to see them, as he never knew that they were supposed to come. His servant had forgotten to give him the letter sent by Bhimrao’s brother.

This incident remained etched on Bhimrao’s mind forever.

After his matriculation he was married to Ramabai in 1908. He continued

his studies and completed his B.A. form Elphinstone College in 1912 with English and Persian as his subjects. In the same year his wife delivered a son who was named Yashwant.

Afterwards, he joined the armed forces of Baroda as an Officer. Due to

his father’s sad demise on 2nd February 1913 he had to return to Mumbai. Meanwhile he acquired a scholarship instituted by the Maharaja of Baroda, enabling deserving backward students, to study abroad;

Bhimrao

joined

the

Columbia

University at New York in 1913. He completed MA with a dissertation on ‘Administration and Finance of East India Company’ with his Ph. D on ‘National Dividend.: A Historical and Analytical Study’. He also penned papers on ‘Castes in India, their Mechanism, Genesis and

Development.’

His

work

received recognition at international level. While reading his papers at Dr. Goldenwizer’s Seminar his age was just twenty-five years.

now

Dr.

Babasaheb

Ambedkar’s intelligence had left a mark on his teachers, especially his guide Professor Dr. Edwin Seligman, who advised him to join the London School of Economics; consequently Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar joined the esteemed institution in 1916. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with his Professors and friends from London school of Economic and Political Science. 26

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Dr. P. J. Solanki and Shivram Janba Kamble paying their respect at the ‘Vijaystambh’, Bheema Koregaon Dist. Pune.

Here he dwelled into theories related to British Idealism and got an opportunity to widen his horizon under honorable faculty members like Professor J.A. Hobson and Professor L.T. Hobhouse. Later he also joined the Grey’s Inn for the Bar – at – Law. He had to return to India in 1917, to comply with a bond to serve the Baroda state. To fulfill his commitment, he joined on Accountant General’s Office at Baroda as a probationer.

The Indian social fabric off course

was unaltered, characterized by severe caste distinctions.

The Kalaram Temple Satyagraha at Nasik.

spite

qualification,

his Dr.

high

profile

Babasaheb

Ambedkar had to face hostility from his colleagues owing to casteism. A self-respective person he gave up the job and returned to Mumbai, in the course of time he was appointed as Professor of Political Economy at Sydenham College.

Those were the times when the British had presented the Montagu-

Chelmsford Reforms (1919), which aimed at instituting electorates, a Southborough Committee was set up to scrutinize the issue of franchise, Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar presented his submissions to this committee, wherein he pleaded for unconditional right to vote for all, but a separate electorate for the depressed classes.

He strongly believed that depressed classes need to have their

own identity and their own representative. He felt their interests couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t depend on anybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favour. He feared that along with social, religious and economic exploitation, the depressed classes would have to bear with political discrimination and exploitation also. To avoid this he resolved to wage a war against the caste system so as to bring about social-change.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with Bar. M. R. Jaykar and Tej Bahadur Sapru, outside the Yerawada Jail during the Pune Pact. 24th September 1932.

He derived inspiration from Mahatma Jotirao

Phule, and described him as the ‘Greatest Shudra’ of Modern India, who made the lower caste of Hindus conscious of their slavery to the higher classes and who preached the gospel for India, social democracy was more vital than independence from foreign rule.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar too, had resolved to

devote himself to the emancipation of the depressed classes. Social-reform needs an effective medium for its propagation and ‘Newspaper’ acts like a weapon for bringing in change. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was already being known for his writings; it gave him a distinct position and also helped him to express his thoughts to everybody.

On the occasion of Keshav Govindrao Adrekar’s marriage. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar next to him Raobahadur Bole, Dr. Solanki, wife Ramabai and sister-in-law Laxmi next to the bridegroom.

He desired to acquire equal

status for the depressed classes, for this they had to be freed from all kinds of

bondages. He therefore

started an inspirational fortnightly‘Mooknayak’ on 31st January 1920. He aspired to bring to light the injustice inflicted on his brethren and resolved to find solutions for their progress. The first conference of the Untouchables from Mumbai

province was held

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with his son- Yashwant , wife-Ramabai, sister-inlaw -Laxmibai and nephew-Mukundrao.

on 21st-22nd

March 1920. About

five thousand people were present for the conference. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the President of the conference. He stated that the Indian society is divided into three classes, the Brahmins, the non-Brahmins and the excluded. He asked them to take up the challenge to become selfreliant and self-respective for their progress. The conference asked for an independent electorate. He also stated that without political power and communal representation ‘Satyamev Jayate’ will become meaningless.

Rajashri Shahu Maharaj was

present for the conference. He said that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar should be given the title ‘Pandit’ as he was the leader among the intellectuals.

27th May 1935 Ramabai Ambedkar expired, bereaved Dr.Ambedkar during her last rites.

He further stated the untouchables have got an appropriate leader in the form of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. He then predicted that he will become a national leader.

The conference passed a

resolution that Maharaja’s birthday should be celebrated as a festival. Shahu Maharaj’s real birthday (26th June 1874) could be located after 125 years due to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. It was located in one of the letters written by him to Shahu Maharaj. Till then 26th July 1874 was considered to be his birthday. Thus we can witness Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s intelligence and research oriented attitude for which Shahu Maharaj would be all praises. Mahatma Phule had started the celebration of Shiv Jayanti, while Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar celebrated Rajashri Shahu’s birthday as a festival. Thus, reflecting the bond between the ‘Guru-Shishya’ and bringing to light the proximity in their thought process.

In its issue dated 27th March 1920, he declared the formation of the

Depressed Class Forum through which was to be organized the first ‘All India Conference of the Depressed Classes’ in Nagpur in the month of April and May.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stop being selfish and self-centeredâ&#x20AC;?.

It was to be an attempt to unite all the depressed classes to fight for their right and simultaneously work to bring about social, educational and political progress. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur was proposed to be President of the conference.

The

proposed

conference

was held on the 30th, 31st of May and 1st June 1920. In a way this event proves to be the first stepping-stone as it was the first time in India that the depressed classes had came together under one banner to put forth their demand for Political Rights.

The conference was attended by representatives of different organizations

from Chennai, Mumbai, and Madhya Pradesh.

The main issue that was to be deliberated was the demand for separate

electorate. It was imperative that people realized that their progress would just be a mirage, if they were denied political rights. What they required was a well-organized agitation. With this in mind Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar, placed his opinions based on well-researched facts.

Dr. Ambedkar with the activists of Social Equality Army.

His ability to convey his

views through a magnificent play of words backed with facts and statistics enabled him to create a rapport with the audience, be it a mass of humble farmers or labourers

intellectuals.

His

oratory had the ability to influence one and everybody. Likewise the first All India Conference was instrumental in bringing to fore the core issues.

His insatiable thirst for knowledge saw him pursue his doctoral studies.

Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar once again joined the London School of Economics and obtained a M.Sc. degree in 1921.

Both his thesis ‘The problem of the Rupee, its origin and the solution.’

and the ‘Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India’ were published by King and Company London in 1923 and 1925 respectively. He also was called to the Bar at Grey’s Inn, London in 1922.

His expertise and dedication towards studies and originality in thought

were instrumental in bringing laurels for him.

Having completed his education, Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar returned to

India. He could have settled abroad, but his pursuit in life was not material

possessions, he wanted to secure for his people justice and equality. The centuries of exploitation had rendered them helpless, they had formed a belief that it was their destiny to suffer at the hands of the upper caste people. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar sometimes equated their

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Poverty is due to deficiency in production and also because of its unequal distributionâ&#x20AC;?.

condition to slaves who were at the mercy of their masters.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with his trusted associates of Samaj Samata Sangh.

Often he thought that slaves were little more fortunate as they could transit or free themselves from the bondages if they had money but the untouchables â&#x20AC;&#x201C; could never cross the rigid boundaries of caste. The caste-system had fragmented the society permanently. Not deeds but birth determined the identity of the person.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar could not bear

to see the predicament of his people, of course as stated in the beginning he had the rare virtue of self- restrain. Over the years he had been a keen observer, regardless of the fact that he himself had been a victim of several prejudices, he analyzed the circumstances and came to the conclusion that, if he had to bring in change, he had to be the change himself. Being free of any prejudice or falsehood, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar could achieve great heights in whatever he ventured. He canalized his innate capacities towards the upliftment of the deprived masses and in true sense of the term led the movement for eradication of caste-system.

On the steps of the Tilak Bridge (Dadar), Dr. Ambedkar with the activists, who had acquired the right for performing Ganesh Pooja at the Dadar Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Mandal. (Khandke Building)

The need was to connect with

the masses, influence and guide them to overthrow the shackles of inferiorities and fear, from their mind, unite and then revolt. He knew very well that a characterless person couldn’t withstand even a minor onslaught leave alone the huge typhoons that they would have to counter in their fight for liberation.

Yes, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar too dreamt of an independent India,

but a caste ridden, dogmatic and orthodox country could never be called independent. Thus his spectrum of work not only included upliftment of all the depressed classes but also a social system which was based on a freedom equality and liberty.

During the meeting held in Mumbai at Damodar Hall on the 9th March

1924, he gave the three magical words, ‘Educate Agitate and Organize’. Ambedkar made people realize that individual differences should be totally eradicated if they had to fight for their liberation. With these views in mind he established the Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha on 20th July 1924.

On the behalf of Schedule Caste Federation, R.R. Bhole delivering a speech during Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s felicitaion ceremony at Purandare Park, Dadar Mumbai.

He believed in the power of unity

so much so, that he declared that if they consider the problems faced by the untouchables were like the Himalayas, he shall try to demolish it with his forehead, he may not be successful, but seeing his bleeding forehead, the eight crore untouchables shall certainly bring down the Himalayas in no time.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;No down-trodden man can achieve greatness unless he is prepared for struggle and sufferingâ&#x20AC;?

This was his confidence in his people, who in turn reciprocated as expected.

Through various meetings held in the subsequent

months, Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar attempted to make the people realize their strength and informed them of the developments. In one of the meetings held at Nippani in Belgaon Zilla on the 11th April 1925 he lamented at the fact that while keeping the social problems aside the Indian leaders were only fighting for political rights thus resulting in perpetual disparities in the society.

Minister for Labour, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to Kolkata.

Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar further stated there was need to scrutinize the Hindu scriptures and find out whether they mentioned anything about untouchability. He felt the need, to change these dogmas and instill social justice and equality in the society. Hereon he seemed to take an aggressive stance by declaring that if the so called high caste people do not wish to change their notion, it would be better if we burn off those scriptures.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with Dadasaheb Gaikwad.

In no uncertain terms, he declared that when in a society a handful of people exploit the masses, the society is said to be in utter chaos then instead of wasting time the masses should first overthrow these handful people. Thus it is the duty of each individual to restore peace and security in the society.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil and Gadgebaba.

Only then will every individual be entitled to have equal social, economic and political opportunity and justice.

As far as the untouchables

were concerned, he strongly felt that two things were necessary; first they should free their mind of all old and unhealthy thoughts, these thoughts had corroded their brains. The purity of thoughts and action would lead them towards the path of progress. Secondly they should attempt to educate themselves and join the white-collar jobs. This would give them an access in the Government machinery and bring them at par with the higher caste communities.

His speeches would not only prove to be inspirational but also would

make the listeners retrospect themselves. On one such occasion at Colaba, Mahad District, during a meeting of Bahishkrit Parishad, as the President of the meeting, he vividly analyzed the condition of the depressed people. He brought to fore a few facts about untouchables living in Mahad district.

“I don’t want you to be dependent on any single personality for your salvation. Your Salvation must lie in your own hands, through your own efforts.”

He stated that in the olden times they had progressed a great deal, this was because of the advent of the British; they got an opportunity to join the army. Many of them rose to the rank of the Subhedars, Zamadars, Havaldars, Headmasters, Clerks, etc. Enlisting in the army also meant access to education, thus naturally the literacy rate grew to 90 %. This continued till the revolt of 1857. The consecutive years brought the country under the direct control of the British Government, who then realized after conducting an inquiry that of the Indian soldiers in their army were imparted education, they would easily overthrow the British empire, thus from then onwards, British Government intentionally curbed the spread of education among its soldiers. Eventually after 1893, untouchables were banned entry into the British army.

Further he stated that the predicament that the untouchables were going

through was not only because injustice was meted out to them, but also because they bore the injustice mutely. Thus the first step was to fight against one’s own weakness and then embark on the path of revolution. He also warned that once the torch for fight against injustice was lit, it should not be extinguished.

To keep it burning was needed a fearless mind and a strong ground of

economic development.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar giving a speech during Buddha Jayanti at Ambedkar Bhavan, Delhi.

Economic development would come their way only through education and by pursuing occupations like farming. They should give up their old traditions and embrace new sources of livelihood. A number of resolutions for the upliftment of the depressed classes were passed during the meeting. The most important being, the ‘Right to use public places and drinking water facilities’.

The event that was to took place after the meeting, flagged off in a way,

the revolution of the depressed classes against exploitation and inhumanity. It was decided that actions speak louder than words, thus they would collectively, assert their right to drink water from the Chavdar Lake, under the leadership of Dr. Babasaheb.Ambedkar. Though the Mahad municipality declared that all the lakes and public places would be open to all, the so – called higher castes were not ready to allow the untouchables to avail of these rights.

Standing on the banks of the Chavdar Lake was the ‘Rising Sun’ of the

Dalits – ‘Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar’, a renowned scholar armed with courage and dedication. He was to lead the downtrodden on the path of liberty and

“My message is struggle, and more struggle, sacrifice and more sacrifice. It is struggle and struggle alone without counting the sacrifices or sufferings that will bring their emancipation. Nothing else will.”

intended to give the message that freedom had to be achieved and not asked for.

His preaching and thoughts

needed to be personified by each and everyone and he himself had to be the manifestation of his thoughts; through the act of drinking water, he wanted to send a message to all, that when oppression reaches its zenith, the lowest of beings rebound with equivalent strength to undo the chains of torture, and in this case, the victims were humans.

As Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar bent to hold the elixir of life in his palm,

(thousand of his followers following suit) he heralded the beginning of a new era for millions of down trodden.

The day was 20th March 1927. It marked the beginning of Dr. Babasaheb

Ambedkar’s journey as a ‘Yug Purush’.

What was the effect of the above incident on the so-called high caste

people, were they mutely watching their authority being challenged?

As Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and his followers were returning, some

anti-social miscreants spread the rumours that the low caste people were to enter the VireshwarTemple. Though Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, tried to

“Man must be treated as man ; he must be given humanitarian rights; human dignity should be established.”

convince, that neither he nor his people had any intention of entering the temple, the people gathered to protect the temple did not budge. Angered by the act of the Chavdar Lake,

they

took

this

opportunity to exhibit their status quo and were obviously unrelenting. Armed with sticks they showered blows on the innocent satyagrahis.

Such incidents were not new to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, he knew that

opposition had to be encountered and squarely dealt with. Nevertheless he was undaunted and while the atrocities continued, he resolved to intensify the revolt. On 3rd April 1927, he began a fortnightly journal ‘Bahishkrit Bharat’ to forward the cause of the depressed classes.

It was decided to launch a ‘Satyagraha’ to proceed with his fight.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s pragmatic approach was characterized by

varied methods. He implemented his methodology as per the circumstances. Thus at times he adapted the constitutional method of issuing letters or petitions, sometimes he maintained an aggressive stance, by giving fiery speeches or writing articles in his newspaper on other occasions, he attempted the effective tool of ‘Satyagraha’.

“The Victory of ideals can be ensured only by organized parties and not by individuals”.

Thus the violence aftermath of the Chavdar Lake was to be answered by ‘Satyagraha’; consequently in a meeting held in Mumbai in the month of July 1927, a resolution to this effect was passed, which stated that the ‘Bahiskrit Hitkarni Sabha’ has decided to launch the Satyagraha at Mahad. Elaborating further Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar said that since Satyagraha was a fight without weapons, its followers should be fearless they should firmly resolve to eradicate untouchability. He asked only such individuals to enlist their names for the Satyagraha who were ready to bear the consequences whatever they be.

He formed the Samaj Samata Sangh in September 1927 and the

Samata Sainik Dal in December 1927. These organizations were to work for social equality.

Mass agitations require mass awareness, with this view in mind.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar spoke about ‘Satyagraha’ in many subsequent conferences. During one such conference held in Amravati on 13th & 14th November 1927, in his speech as the President of the conference he spoke at length about the proposed ‘Satyagraha’ – Which literally means insistence of

“First and foremost we should pay special attention to Higher Education.”

truth, thus it was necessary to know two things, first whether the task undertaken was for the truth and secondly did it serve the purpose of progress of the society. If both the above are affirmative responses, then ‘Satyagraha’ had to be successful.

But here he differed on the popular

belief that ‘Satyagraha and Non-violence’ go hand in hand. He felt that whether the movement had to be violent or non-violent depended on the circumstances.

“The flame of awareness should never be extinguished”.

Tolerating injustice mutely or for that matter, using physical force for defending one self couldn’t be called unethical just because it can be categorized under violence. Then even an act like hurting somebody’s feeling have to be termed as violence.

He further added that the aim of their ‘Satyagraha’ was not only to have

access to temples or wells, but it was to demonstrate the fact that it was the right of every individual to do so. Thus his struggle for the upliftment of the untouchables was in a way essential for the country and conducive for achieving freedom.

Unfortunately during the conference Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar received

the news of his elder brother Balaram’s death. (12th November 1927) such was his commitment towards his work that he continued with the conference, unable to attend his brother’s funeral, he paid his condolences and expressed his gratitude publicly to his followers who attended the last rites in his absence, Meanwhile with a view to inculcate the spirit of economic independence the Mahar Watandars Conference was held in Solapur on 26th and 27th November 1927. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the President of the conference.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with the activists of Samata Sainik Dal and Independent Labour Party.

In apt words he explained to the crowd

the importance of economic independence, he had proposed to introduce a Bill in the Bombay Legislature for amending the Bombay Hereditary offices Act 1874. This would particularly benefit the Watandar Mahars who were living a life under bondage, as their livelihood would be dependent. This economic dependence was the main reason for the Mahars remaining backward. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar therefore wished that the Mahars should give up their watans and set up their own

“Educate, Agitate and Organize.”

settlements, and then they could pursue any kind of occupation and become self-reliant. If they wished to come at par to the so – called high caste people, it was necessary to carve out their own identity through economic self-reliance.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s visionary powers can be witnessed from

his radical approach to his objectives. He knew that the social change that he desired for, could be achieved only if it is legitimized, but again, there were many who would not allow government laws to dominate over century old religious customs and traditions. He therefore attempted to initiate the changes in the laws itself, which would help to do away with traditions detrimental for the progress of the depressed classes.

As per schedule the Mahad Satyagragha was held on the 25th, 26th and

27th December 1927. The main aim of the Satyagraha was to establish the right over public water places and public places. Also it was decided to burn the ‘Manusmriti’ the religious scripture which was responsible for establishing the Caste System resulting in the formation of castes and eventually dividing the society.

“I am like a rock which does not melt but turns the course of rivers”.

Mahatma Phule’s cenetary

birth anniversary celebrations were going on during the same time. He brought to fore the notion that untouchables are also entitled for ‘Human Rights’, he attempted to demonstrate this fact by allowing the untouchables access to his well. He had quoted that “Without any concern for pains, Manusmruti insulted the likes of Mahars & Matangs therefore it shall be better if we burn it”.

Coincidentally, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had launched the Mahad

Satyagraha for water also in 1927. It goes without saying that it is was the biggest revolution of the twentieth century for ‘Human’.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had again given a call for Satyagraha in

Mahad on the 25th of December 1927. This time it was to revolt against the ‘Manusmriti’ which was considered as the constitution of India since A.D.175 and carried on for many centuries. As the higher caste people had turned hostile, the organizers of the Satyagraha had to face numerous difficulties, but encountering all kinds of hurdles the conference began on the 25th of December1927 on a place provided by Fatehkhan a Muslim.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with the activists of Kokan Mahar Community Panchyat at Bandra.

The resolution to burn the

Manusmriti was read by Gangadhar Nilkanth

Sahastrabudhe

and

supported by Shri Jadhav and Shri Rajbhoj. The Manusmriti was burnt by the untouchable saints and holymen, present in the conference. Satyashodhak

Keshavrao

Jedhe

and Dinkarrao Jadhav were also present for the conference. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had resolved to burn the scripture to demonstrate, the fact that what it should contain and what it should not as per the modern times. The Article 13 in the present constitution stands testimony to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s refusal to accept Manusmriti and his determination to bring in equality in the country.

The burning of ‘Manusmruti’ was an act of going against law. Centuries

back the Brahmins had refused to perform for the coronation ceremony of ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji’, they had given the basis of Manusmruti for their refusal. In a way Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s burning of Manusmruti at the foothills of Raigad at Mahad, has given justice to the great King.

There was great enthusiasm among the people for the ‘Satyagraha’.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in his speech warned his followers that their main purpose was to eradicate caste system.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Educators should devote themselves to teaching and researchâ&#x20AC;?.

Recalling the French Revolution, that had given the world the principles of Equality and Fraternity. He stated that even their struggle was like a social revolution which aimed for the formation of a classless society on similar principles.

He ended his speech by

presenting a Declaration consisting of

seventeen

predominantly

clauses, highlighted

which the

importance of safe-guarding the Right to Equality for all and also the fact that Law should be equal for all.

Viceroy Lord Wavell and his Executive Council with Minister for India, Lord Pethick Lawrence during his visit to India.

K. M. Munshi welcomes President of the Three-party Alliance, Sir Stafford Cripps while Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar looks on with a smile.

In accordance with the above a few resolutions were passed, the main thrust was laid on a law-abiding social structure which was free from social, political and economical slavery and exploitation. It was also decided to burn the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Manusmrutiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Holy Scripture as it upheld the caste system.

The next day Satyagraha had to face opposition from the local higher

caste people who had bought a stay, claiming that Chavdar Lake was a private lake thus cannot be open to people. Owing to the high handedness of the collector, it was decided to postpone the Satyagraha.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar exhibited his capacity to take decisions as

per the circumstances. He therefore decided to postpone the Satyagraha, instead a procession was carried out near the lake, which gave the message that they were not the ones who would be disheartened, and their struggle was to continue till the goal was achieved.

During the following two days Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar got an

opportunity to speak to the women folk and the community leaders. He gave an inspiring talk to them and asked them to join the struggle;

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with Periyar Ramswami Naikar.

he made them aware that they should

instill

self

respect

themselves, as every woman bears the same pain during child birth, then why should their children be called untouchables? It is the duty of every woman to safeguard the right of her child; she should not at any cost attempt to sow the seeds of inferiority in her childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind. Thus their fight for securing equality depended very much on the woman folk.

While sharing his views on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Satyagrahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; he gave the community

leaders a few lessons on imparting justice, he asked them to be impartial in their judgments and keep pace with the changing times.

It is but obvious that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as a leader was a great

visionary and had the capacity to influence his thoughts and transform them into action. To guide the mass of simple folk oblivious even of their own interest, and to nurture them into individuals ignited with the desire to fight against injustice and the task to untie the bonds of ostracism was seasoned with tougher challenges and infinite difficulties, but Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar proved his mettle at every stage of the struggle.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Become as fierce as a tiger, nobody then shall bother youâ&#x20AC;?.

Simultaneously his work as the member of the Legislature of Bombay Province, also is note worthy. His intellect and knowledge always gave him an edge above others. He had an unique talent to think inclusively for all, though the torchbearer for the depressed classes, he also thought for the society as a whole. Thus he proved to be the leader of not only the Dalits but also of the entire country.

His speeches were backed by careful introspection of every

aspect of the situation be it his views on the budget or his recommendation the Simon Commission.

He brought to light the predicament of the poor blaming the administration for being unaccountable. On 3rd August 1928, along with other members of the Bombay Legislature, he was also selected for the Provincial Committee to work with the Simon Commission. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar demanded a Joint Electorate with reservation of seats for the depressed classes.

The committee appointed by the Bombay Legislative Council to co-operate with the Simon Commission, presented its report on 7th May 1929. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar differed from rest of the committee and presented his

Hon’ble President Dr. Rajendra Prasad seeing the Ellora caves with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

own set of recommendation that in a way was to form the basis of future manifestation of the constitution. He argued on the behalf of the Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha and brought to fore the educated backwardness of the depressed classes

and

appealed

the

commission to bring in universal adult franchise. He said that the right to vote is every individual’s right, whether he was educated or uneducated.

His report truly exhibits his unbiased views and staunch commitment

towards the country

He was against the principle of one language, one province and also

against the creation of new province to quote his words: “The most vital need of the day is to create among the mass of the people the sense of a common nationality, the feeling not that they are Indians first and Hindus, Mohammedians, Sindhis and Kanarese afterwards but that they are Indians first and Indians last. If that be the ideal then it follows that nothing should be done which will harden local patriotism and group consciousness.”

This report catapulted his position in the political circles of the country.

Receiving acclaim from one and all; he rose to be a statesman par excellence.

“We don’t want charity; we are the citizens of this country. Just as other communities, have a right over the Government Treasury, so do we”.

Few politicians have the integrity and

grit

speak

fearlessly.

Unmindful of public wrath fewer still cross the boundaries of selfinterest and rise above petty politics. It is but evident the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the first among those equals. In line with this, was his ardent love for books and education. At every opportunity, he inspired the youth to arm themselves with higher education. Through the Depressed Classes Education Society, hostels were established in various places like Nasik, Pune, etc. for their educational progress.

Also he started the fortnightly Janata on 24th Nov 1930. This was later

known as Prabuddh Bharat from 1956.

The 1930’s were the years, which saw Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar achieve

new heights. The Satyagraha at the Kalaram Temple in Nasik is an event that needs to be mentioned The Depressed Classes at Nasik had formed a Satyagraha Committee. The Committee had informed the trustees of the Kalaram Temple that if the temple doors were not thrown open for the untouchables, then they would launch a Satyagraha. In response to the call given to the Depressed

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in discussion with Mrs. Vijayalaxmi Pandit.

Classes about 15,000 volunteers had came over for the Satyagraha.

In March 1930 a conference

was held under the Presidentship of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to chalk out ways and means for launching the Satyagraha. He delivered a speech and in his own charismatic ways, he put forth the true purpose of the Satyagraha. He told that entering the temple would never solve the problems of the Depressed Classes, but surely it will help in knowing whether the mind set of the so-called

“The two pillars of The Parliamentary System of Government- An opposition and free and fare elections”.

upper castes had changed. Through

the

Satyagraha

they

would come to know if they were considered as human beings. To quote his words “This is a test to judge the high caste Hindu mind. Whether the Hindu mind is willing to accept the elevated aspiration of the new era that man must be treated as man; he must be given humanitarian rights; and human dignity must be established. All these things must get cleared”.

As decided a procession was organized which will be remembered as

one of the biggest procession in the history of Nasik. A military band followed by a batch of scouts, led the procession, 500 women satyagrahis followed them, and behind them were scores of male satyagrahis marching on, exhibiting order and discipline. As they reached the temple, it was noticed that all the four gates were closed. The Satyagraha continued, till the morning and also the next day thousands of satyagrahis had enlisted their support. They took turns to squat outside each of the four gates and sing devotional songs and hymns. Two First Class Magistrates and a strong police force was posted at each gate in case of any emergency.

Dr. Ambedkar and his wife, during a dinner hosted by Governor General Chakravarti Rajgopalachari.

A public meeting of the

citizens of Nasik was held in the night, but ended abruptly due to the presence of many orthodox Hindus. The Satyagraha went on for a month. On the occasion of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Chariot Processionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a compromise was seen in sight but it ended in a violent mayhem.

The effect of this event was felt across the district. Children of the

untouchables were thrown out of schools, necessities of life were denied to them. In spite of this the Satyagraha went on, and it continued for nearly one year. Extremism of the orthodox Hindu can be seen from the fact that the temple remained closed for a whole year.

Later in his statement on the Temple Entry Bill on 14th Feb 1933,

he categorically stated that the Depressed Classes by now know very well that the surest way for their elevation lies in higher education, higher employment and better ways of earning a living. Thus they do not care much for temple entry.

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Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar during dinner on the occasion of Raj Gopalachari’s appointment as India’s Governor General.

He remarked to the Hindus,

“To open or not to open your temple is a question for you to consider and not for me to agitate. If you think it is bad manners not to respect the sacredness of human personality, open your temples and be a gentleman. If you rather be a Hindu than be a gentleman, then shut the doors and damn yourself, for I don’t care to come.”

Later on 19th November 1934, the temple entry satyagraha was given up,

while addressing a mammoth gathering of over 15,000 members, he said that the Temple Entry Movement was started to energize the Depressed Classes and make them conscious of their position. As the purpose was served, the movement had been called off. He then advised his followers to concentrate on political activities.

Meanwhile the Indian freedom struggle had reached its zenith with the

process of negotiations between the British government and the Indian leaders as per the Simon Commission followed by Round Table Conferences.

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The Conference was called in England to initiate a dialogue and the

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fraternity is the only real safeguard against the denial of liberty or equalityâ&#x20AC;?.

representatives of all political parties were invited. It was held in London to discuss the future political constitution of India. It was necessary that the rights of the Depressed Classes were safeguarded, thus the All India Depressed Classes Congress was convened at Nagpur under the Presidentship of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on 8th & 9th August 1930. Issues related to the depressed classes were deliberated on, while preparing a framework for their rights and its inclusion in the proposed

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constitution of India. He realized that the Depressed Classes were not being given justice, nor were they given representation, nor was his demand for universal adult franchise being conceded. The stand taken by the Congress also was not favourable to them. He therefore insisted for the separate electorate for the Depressed Classes.

To garner friendship, he also signed the

Minority Pact with the other minority parties. He was optimistic that India shall become independent and during this process he could attempt to bring in

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with the members of Constituent Assembly.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with the activists of All-India Depressed Classes Conference held at Nagpur.

revolutionary reforms, which would be conducive for the progress of the country. He thus decided to put forth a number of constitutional reforms before the Round Table Conference.

The

Round

Table

Conference

consisted of eighty-nine members, out of whom sixteen were representatives of the three British parties, fifty-three Indian Members representing various sections of the Indian Society.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar alighting from the Nizam State Railway during a visit to Aurangabad.

The

non-cooperating

Congress

and twenty of the Indian states had not sent their representatives. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Rao Bahadur Srinivasan represented the Depressed Classes. It was indeed very crucial benchmark in history as for the first time in history of two thousand years; the depressed classes were given an opportunity to express their opinion that too for framing the constitution.

The Round Table Conference began on 12th November 1930. Ramsay

MacDonald, the then Prime Minister of England was unanimously elected the Chairman of the Round Table Conference.

The conference was to discuss and note the main issues. The discussions

began from 17th to 21st November. Each put forth his opinions for the representation he stood for. Some supported the British administration, while others were against it. All learned men, powerful princes and dynamic leaders expressed their opinions. When Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar rose to speak all eyes were on him, with a lot of apprehension they waited with bated breath. Everybody knew Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar; in fact one of the head of the

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From the left- Architect Narvekar, Principal M. B. Chitnis, Mai Ambedkar, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, S. K. Bhole, Kamlakant Chitre and B. H. Warale in Milind college.

princely states had financed a part of his higher studies. Oblivious of all the curious gazes he stood there – confident and determined a scholar and a leader who had achieved the highest degree in the academic world the Doctorate in Science. Armed with resilience he was to speak for those who had been under centuries of oppression. And then his flowing oratory left everyone spellbound.

The words that he spoke were not mere logical and statistical data but

facts backed with emotions. Truth fired with sentiments like the sun’s ray that could penetrate deep into the mother earth’s bosom. Similarly his speech touched the heart of each soul, making them ponder over issues that they had so far been seen in the context of statistical figures. He boldly asked the British Government.

“Our wrongs have remained an open sore and they have not been righted

although 150 years of British rule have rolled away. “ Of what good is such a Government to anybody?”

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar inspecting the site of Milind College, Aurangabad.

He expressed his anger over the indifferent

attitude of the British Government, which in spite of having the power to root out the evils in the Indian society were not doing anything.

He fearlessly stood for the demand for

Dominion Status. He also stressed that unless political rights were bestowed on the Depressed Classes, they would never be able to overthrow their grievances. The way an efficient surgeon would diagnose the ailment and perform the surgery with

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with Governor General Rajgopalchari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

precision to cure it, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar too placed his analytical suggestions containing the formation of political rights to the Dalits. Finally, he warned the Government that the time, when they could impose anything on the Indians had gone. Now the Indians shall retaliate, thus the new constitution should be favourable to the majority of people.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with Governor General Rajgopalchari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

He vehemently stated the need for a separate electorate, which would be the only way to ameliorate the conditions of the depressed classes.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

status grew manifold after his speech. The uniqueness of his speech was, he presented himself as an Indian and spoke for the entire country, thus proving to be a true nationalist. His fiery speeches exhibited his versatility. His statements were based on logic and he had conveyed them in a lucid manner. Highly impressed by him, the King of Baroda- Sayaji Gaikwad announced a treat for all.

At the same time, he submitted his report to the Minorities Sub-

Committee for being included in the future constitution of India. His oratory had already created a stir during the Round Table Conference but the most important work Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar did to achieve his goal was the preparation of the Declaration of Fundamental Rights, Safe guarding the cultural, religious and economic rights of the depressed classes.

The Round Table Conference adjourned on 19th January 1931; the

significant contribution of the conference was the emergence of the concept of United India and marked the dawn of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as the national leader on the political horizon of India.

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At Milind college.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intellect and

expertise witnessed during the 1st Round Table Conference saw him being invited for the second Round Table Conference. He was selected on the Federal Structure Committee, which was to draft the new constitution for India. This time Mahatma Gandhi attended the conference.

The preceding days saw Dr. Babasaheb

Ambedkar and Gandhiji at loggerheads with each other as Gandhiji was not ready to agree to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demand for a separate electorate. He presumed that the Congress aptly represents the Depressed Classes; separate electorate will further divide the society.

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121

Along with Cabinet Ministry, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Maulana Azad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Vallabhbhai Patel.

But Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar believed that the Depressed Classes should have an access to the legislative process directly.

Simultaneously in India, there

was a revival of Satyagraha at Nasik. Dr.

Babasaheb

Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

trusted

followers carried out the Satyagraha while he was attending the conference in London the news of the Brahmin priests closing the gates of the Kalaram Temple for the Satyagrahis reached London, thus proving Gandhijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claims wrong. The followers proceeded with the Satyagraha with great eagerness. They even courted arrest.

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Hon. President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and the first Law Minister of Independent India.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar received

numerous messages by the Depressed Classes leaders and associations from all parts of the country. They voiced only one opinion that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar should not keep faith in any party or leader; he should not leave his stand of a separate Electorates. It was very well proved that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the true representative of the Depressed Classes. This widened the gap between Gandhiji and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

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Along with the members of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, from the left N. Madhavrao, Sayyed Sadullah, Alladi Krishnaswami Iyer, B. N. Rao (advisor).

Such was his determination that he did not sign the

Minorities Committee requisition, which assigned Gandhiji the authority to take decision regarding them. The British Prime Minister then adjourned the conference.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar then left London on 15th January 1932.

On 26th May Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar returned to

England to see the British Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers before the decision on the communal issue was announced. Once in London, he met the British Officials and discussed with them and put forth his discussions in a legal format and returned to India in August.

126

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Pandit Nehru, Vallabhai Patel, C. D. Deshmukh, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and others in the first Ministry of Independent India.

Dr.

Babasaheb

Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deliberation bore fruit. The communal Award of 1932 granted a separate electorate to the Dalits. It was an opportunity for which Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was waiting as this would have provided a platform to give a voice for his fight against injustice. But Gandhiji felt that this move was initiated to divide the country. Therefore, to protest against the award he started a fast unto death in Yerwada Jail, Pune.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with Dr. Rajendra Prasad and others.

Owing to pressure from all quarters

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar agreed to relent and consequently the Poona Pact was signed between him and Gandhiji on 24th September 1932 wherein it was decided that instead of a separate electorate, more seats with joint electorate would be reserved for the depressed classes.

Though the Pact appeared to

be promising, it did not live up to the expectations of the people.

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131

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Constitution is not a mere lawyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age.â&#x20AC;?

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar could sense that the only those candidates who were thought to be appeasing the Upper caste were better placed to win the elections. As a result he felt deceived with the outcome of the pact. Nevertheless he embarked on assimilating data covering the depressed classes throughout the country.

While processing the statistics,

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar realized that the depressed classes were once again politically marginalized.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar handing over the Constitution of India, to Hon. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of Constituent Assembly.

Though the Harijan Sevak Sangh was established after the Pact; Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was opposed to the way programmes were chalked out for the removal of untouchability. He felt that the leaders of the Sevak Sangh lacked the basic understanding of problems associated with the society.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivering speech to the students Parliament of Siddharth College.

He also disliked the word ‘Harijan’ called for them. He aptly questioned that if untouchable were – Harijan i.e. Children of God, then were the others the Children of the Monsters?

After the Poona Pact, Third

Round Table Conference was held at England. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar left India to participate in the conference on 7th November 1932.

He attended the Third Round Table Conference Proceedings from 17th

to 24th November 1932.

Incidently,his ability to work at different levels opened up many avenues

for him. How fortunate must be those students of the Government Law College who were taught by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar! After being appointed as a part-time professor in June 1934 he was appointed as the Principal of the college for three years. During this time personal calamity befell on him; he lost his wife Ramai on 27th May 1935.

His social and political life had kept him too occupied to attend to his

family. A price that he had to pay, for his commitment towards the society.

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137

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was conferred the title ‘Doctor of Laws’ ( L.LD) by the Columbia University. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with Wallace Stevens

Mata Ramai had a keen

desire to visit the holy temple of ‘Pandharpur’ but could never do so. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar used to tell her, that he shall create an altogether

different

Pandharpur

for her, where she could visit at her own will. True to his word, today places like the Deeksha Bhoomi have become pilgrimage centres for millions!

Mahad Satyagragha at Chowdar Lake, 1932 Poona Pact and the

Kalaram temple entry Satyagraha at Nasik during the same period, had placed Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in the top-most rank of efficient leadership. But he was in search of an effective remedy for the oppressive caste system. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had the aim of social change which would lead to the creation of a new social order. But non-acceptability to change and adherence to age-old customs prohibited flexibility. It finally resulted into the declaration of the Conversion. This declaration was like a sudden lightening in the darkest hours enabling to see the whole new path ahead

Thus at a meeting at Yeola in Nasik on 13th October 1935, he told the

depressed classes to give up Hinduism.

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He declared that, it was unfortunate that he was born in a Hindu family, to quote his words, “I solemnly assure you that I will not die a Hindu.” He asked them to stop the Kalaram Temple Satyagraha. He advised them to remain a separate community outside the Hindu fold carving out for themselves, a future worthy of free citizens. His announcement to renounce Hinduism and embrace some other religion “Admiration, love, regard and respect for a leader, if he deserves them, are permissible and should be enough for both, the leader and the followers. But worship of the leader is certainly not permissible. It is demoralizing to both”. 140

141

spread like wild fire. Hereon, he took an aggressive stance and argued about Hinduism in length.

Naigaon Mumbai, the

Aakhil Mumbai Province Mahar Conference,

Dr.

Babasaheb

Ambedkar gave the famous speech â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mukti Kon Pathe?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (31st May 1936). He explained the concept of conversion in this speech. He clarified the need for it, for the acquisition of Dr. Ambedkar in Eknath Mandir at Paithan.

Rights. A resolution stating that they were ready for collective conversion was passed.

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Dr. Ambedkar in Eknath Mandir at Paithan.

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145

“If you want the administrative class to be responsible, then the Legislative should be well represented.”

In 1936, he wrote a long speech called

‘Annihilation of Caste’ which is a well known book now, to address the Jat Pat Todak Mandal. (An organization for social reform in Lahore).Due to difference of opinion with the organizers, the speech was not delivered.

As per the demanding political situation of

the nation, on 15th August 1936, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar founded a new political forum, Independent Labour Party. This party achieved considerable success in Mumbai Province. In 1936, he proposed the Khoti System Abolition Bill which would have ultimately liberated the Kunbi folks.

146

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Laying the foundation stone of Ambedkar Bhavan in Delhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with Shakranand Shastri.

1938

introduced

the Family Planning Bill in the Mumbai Legislature, he urged young couples to have only one or two children. He used to say that the true yardstick for measuring the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress was the progress of the woman. He advised women to tell their husbands that they were not their slaves. They are equal to them and in fact they should be treated as friends. He was indeed a leader with a fore- sight.

His concern for one and all is praiseworthy while his mind was working

on the issue of conversion on one hand and on the other hand, he was thinking about the reforms pertaining to various issues. His heart went out to the labourers, whose freedom was also curtailed He opposed the Industrial Trade Dispute Bill with the left parties in Mumbai.

On 19th March 1940 the Independent Labour Party celebrated the

Untouchables Independence Day. This day was significant because exactly thirteen years back, the Chavdar Lake Satyagraha was launched symbolizing the war cry for securing equality. Under the leadership of the dynamic leader Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar the masses had taken a vow to fight for Freedom, Equality and Fraternity.

148

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A special moment during a Welcome ceremony. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, made Raobahadur, C. K. Bole sit on his lap as there was no seat vacant for him. A rare moment to see Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar laughing hilariously.

The

struggle

had

gone

through a lot of trials and tribulations and had achieved new horizons. Owing to his contribution for the upliftment of the untouchables the Mahad Muncipality felicitated Ambedkar in Mahad.

The clouds of the World War

were hovering over; he supported the government’s effort for the same. But was apprehensive about India’s future after the war. He scrutinized the positions of the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha in ‘Thoughts on Pakistan’.

Fearless as he was, he was against the demand of the Muslim League

for Pakistan as interpreted in the Lahore session of 1940. He prepared a study, ‘Pakistan or the Partition of India’. Instead of mere opposition, he argued with the fundamentalists of both the religions and presented causes that were leading the Muslims, to feel alienated. He blamed the Congress for its inability to bring in security and an atmosphere of faith in the society.

In December 1942, Ambedkar wrote ‘Mr. Gandhi and the Emancipation

of the Untouchables’, for a conference in Quebec organized by the Pacific Relation Committee.

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151

“It is the duty of every woman to safeguard the right of her child; she should not at any cost attempt to sow the seeds of fear and inferiority in her child’s mind”.

The furious 1940’s were very

crucial for the freedom struggle of India. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar ,also had to face many challenges during this period. He was appointed a member of the Viceroys Council on 2nd July 1942 for a period of 5 years. The portfolios of Labour, Public Works, Water Supply and Energy among others were entrusted on him.

An erudite that he was, he brought in number of labour legislations and

also initiated many welfare activities for them. He lent his expertise even for planning the various Multi purpose projects like Damodar Valley Corporation and the Mahanadi River Projects. Thus he laid the foundation for projects like building dams on Indian rivers and making facilities for farming and drinking water. He also gave topmost priority to energy production. His love for education and the realization that only education can empower the downtrodden is well known. He compared education to the tiger’s milk. The one, who quenches his thirst for knowledge, shall definitely become powerful to encounter any circumstances in life. He wished to implement an alternative education system, which was different from the prevailing system and therefore he had already founded the People’s Education Society, Bombay in 8th July 1945, which stared a number of colleges

152

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“Positively, my Social Philosophy may be said to be enshrined in three words: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”.

The Siddharth College of Arts and

Science,

Bombay

(1946),

Siddharth Night School (1947); Milind

Mahavidyalaya

(1950);

Siddharth College of Commerce and Economics (1953); Milind Multipurpose High School (1955) and Siddharth College of Law (1956). To facilitate the working students, he established the Siddharth College which functioned in the morning. Many new projects were started by this college. Also the students from this college have contributed a great deal for the Dalit Literature revolution launched world-wide. These institutions later became famous international centres of Buddhist Ideology.

The aftermath of the Second World War saw the Indian freedom struggle

receiving momentum. The Cabinet Mission arrived in India in March 1946.

The on going political situation was to be a decisive one. Single-handedly

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was trying his best to secure a respectable position for the Depressed Classes. He wished to create an autonomous constituency of Scheduled Castes. His book ‘What the Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables’ (1945) – was an attempt to bring to light the injustice meted out to the depressed classes due to the Pune Pact.

154

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with the members of the ‘Bhimraj Sporting Club’.

Another book ‘Who were the Shudras?’ (1946) tried to trace the origin of the Shudras.

The winds of change were blowing over the country;

freedom was knocking on the threshold. The Cripps Mission was negotiating their set of political reform with the Indian leaders.

On 15th March, 1946, the British Prime Minister

Clement Atlee acknowledged India’s right to attain independence. A delegation of three cabinet ministers Sir Stafford Cripps, A.V. Alexander and Lord Pethick Lawrence came to discuss with the Indian political leaders. It reached New Delhi on March 24th, 1946.

156

157

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar speaks during a programme of Akhil Bharatiya Buddha Jan Mandal, New Delhi.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar placed a

memorandum on behalf of the Scheduled Caste Federation. It stated the need for a separate electorate and demanded adequate representation in the Central and Provincial Legislature among others. The Cabinet Mission put forth a final solution on 16th May 1946- it was a formation of a Formal

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Democracy primarily has two enemies, one is dictatorship and the other is the culture harboring inequalitiesâ&#x20AC;?.

Union of India, with three groups of Provinces, a plan for Interim Government and the formation of a Constituent Assembly, but there was no reference of the Scheduled Castes. During the interview with the Cabinet Mission later, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar stressed the need of a separate electorate; also during his meeting with Field Marshall Viscount Wavell, he stated that he did not want a Constituent Assembly, as it would be dominated with the caste Hindus. He deemed it the responsibility of the British Government to ensure that the new constitution guaranteed the Scheduled Castes the elementary human rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that it restored their separate electorate.

While the war of words and statements had occupied the centre stage, a

ray of hope seemed to glimmer in the message sent by Mr. Winston Churchill that declared that the Conservative Party would try its best to protect the future of 80 million untouchables. The party shall withhold the principle of American Declaration of Independence. It was a time that needed prompt action as the British Mission left India (June 29, 1946).

160

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Dr. Ambedkar with Baldevchand and K. M. Munshi.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar gave a call to his people and asked them to be ready for the cause of justice and humanity. The movement was to begin on July 15, 1946 at Pune. The main purpose was to know the Congress Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to protect the interests of the Scheduled Castes in the future Constitution of India. The Satyagraha movement went on for about a fortnight. Correspondence and deliberation went on for quite some time; all the while Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar maintained his stand for separate representation.

A man with an eye on future did not loose time while offering to work

within the Constituent Assembly. Together with the Congress and Muslim League he prepared a framework for a United India. His role as an economist, statesman and philosopher is clearly visible in his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;States and Minoritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. He was a true nationalist who did not harbour any prejudices against anyone nor did he allow petty politics to come in the way.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was elected for the Constituent Assembly

from Bengal; his membership was cancelled following Partition, owing to his proficiency in this field he was re-elected to the Constituent Assembly from Bombay with Congress support.

162

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Ajanta caves.

This seat was vacant due to M. R. Jaikars resignation. On 3rd August 1947, he joined the Nehru Cabinet as Law Minister. On 30th August 1947, he was made the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution. The preparation of the constitution was a Herculean task. All through the last ten years he had been formulating the various issues related to the constitutions and now was the time to really implement them.

Summing up the work of the constitution

committee, incidentally the work of the Constitution committee had begun on 9th December 1946,

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“Those who want the Co-operation of depressed class, should first give them justice”.

about 308 people had been elected, out of them about 207 members actually participated.

Pandit

Jawaharlal

Nehru

put forth a resolution stating the constitution’s aims and objectives on the 13th Dec 1946.

On the 17th December 1946,

Dr. Rajendra Prasad the President of the Constitutional Assembly, called upon Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to present his opinion. All knew the fact that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had been against the Congress. Thus everyone looked towards him, with baited breath.

With usual poise and confidence Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivered

one of his most powerful speeches. He lamented on the fact that there had been no mention of Declaration of Human Rights. To quote his words “A revolution transfers political power from one party to another, just as conquest transfers it from one nation or race to another. What we want is a transfer of power accompanied by such a distribution of that power that the result will be a real social change in the relative strength of the forces operating in society”.

He also stated that it was imperative that the social, economic and

political rights should have a legal format.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivering speech at All India Dalit Fedration, Nare Park, Mumbai.

There was also an urgent need to

nationalize

agriculture

and

industries. The country’s economic system should be planned on socialist ideologies. In an optimistic mode he said that though the society today is divided, the country should emerge as a united force. He knew that the end was to be good and goal of democratic and prosperous India shall be achieved, the only question was the way it had to be achieved. This required an atmosphere that would encourage all the sections of the society to come together and work to the common goal. He concluded his speech by quoting Burke.

‘It is easy to hand over power but difficult to hand over wisdom’.

Thus the committee has acquired the right; let it be used with great wisdom. “Lets together work for a United India.”

The respect that, people had, for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s knowledge

and patriotism increased manifold after the speech. Eventually about 3 years later, the constitution was completed on the 26th November 1949.

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For the eradication of Social Injustice it is inevitable to enforce Legislative action in some cases.

Among its main features

were the provisions of civil rights. It abolished untouchability and all kinds of discriminations. Women were granted economic and social rights; a system of reservations of jobs was introduced for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Thus it aimed at providing opportunities to all

A day before on the 25th November 1949, the architect of the constitution

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivered a speech â&#x20AC;&#x201C; his words should be called pearls of wisdom, they were the most appropriate words that ought to be heard by the citizens of a newly independent India, they stand appropriate even today, when India is on the threshold of new challenges.

He began his speech by briefly explaining the various aspects of the

constitution while concluding he said that though he was very happy that India was now free from the clutches of the British he was apprehensive about the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future. On 26th January 1950, India will be called as a Sovereign Republic, it would be moment of tribulation, but Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had a number of doubts in his mind.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Buddha in allowing women to become Bhikkhunis he opened them the way to equality with manâ&#x20AC;?.

He felt that it was a greater challenge to

preserve

the

independence;

history has enough evidence to show instances when India had lost to foreign powers due to tyranny and corruption. Thus care should be taken that history does not repeat itself. The preservation of democracy is the important duty of every Indian; here he was not talking only about political democracy but also social democracy.

He also warned that no man however great he may be is more than

the country, thus he should not be accorded the place of worship. Extreme hero worship may lead to dictatorship that happens to be the worst enemy of democracy.

Another matter of concern was the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inequality. Though it

will now be achieving political equality, the economic and social disparity is there to remain. This inequality had to be absolved by means of reforms or it shall pose a grave challenge to the democratic structure He also felt that the sense of brotherhood was absent in the country for this the country should be considered as a whole. Castes and classes have divided the country; therefore these should give way to creation of a nation based on the principles of equality and fraternity.

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President Dr. Rajendra Prasad along with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The best way to serve the motherland was

to uphold the principles of democracy. Democracy means a Government by the people, for the people and of the people.

Thus only those who will take the country

on the path of progress should form the government and it was the duty of others to monitor such a government.

Years of work and hardships showed their

effect on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, also he felt the pangs of loneliness, he therefore married Dr. Sharada Kabir, a doctor by profession and a Saraswat Brahmin by caste in 1948.

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Archarya Atre, begins the shooting of the film. ‘Mahatma Phule’ directed by him by the auspicious hands of Dr. Ambedkar. Sulochna and Baburao Pendharkar can be seen in the role of Savitribai and Jotirao Phule.

The Bombay scheduled castes

Federation had organized a grand welcome to congratulate him for his tremendous achievement of drafting the Indian Union Constitution. On 11th January 1950 lakhs of men and women brimming with enthusiasm gathered at Nare Park, Parel. Blue Party flag signaled the joy and pride that each of the volunteer had for their hero.

Accompanied by his wife Dr. Savita alias Sharada, Dr. Babasaheb

Ambedkar stepped on the dias. He was present with a book – shaped gold casket containing a copy of the monumental document and two thousand rupees. The money was collected by subscriptions raised by the Federation. In his emotionally charged speech Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar said that though he had serious differences with the Congress, he had to join hands with them because he kept the interest of his people as the first priority. He was entrusted with the unique honour of drafting the constitution, which he carried out with honesty. He also appealed to his people that, now that India was free they should strive together for the National goal as care should be taken that the country doesn’t fall prey to slavery again.

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During the installation of Buddhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idol at Dehu Road (Dist. Pune) Buddha Vihar. 25th December 1954.

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The golden movement of conversion.

As a Law minister, he

formulated a number of Bills. The Hindu Code Bill needs a special mention. This Bill attempted to bring about a reformation in the existing laws regarding Inter-caste marriages, adoption, succession, polygamy, etc. It was a step to coincide them to principles and values set in the constitution.

The Bill faced tremendous

opposition from orthodox elements and ultimately could not trans form itself into a law. The Nehru Ministry was not taking any constitutional measures for the OBC reservation. Thus due to many such reasons, Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar, a man with principles, resigned from the ministry on the 27th September 1951.

He contested for the first Lok-Sabha Election of 1952 from Bombay-

North Constituency, but wisdom was overpowered by casteism. However he could garner the Rajya Sabha seat from the Bombay Legislative Assembly.

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The golden movement of conversion.

1952 was also a crucial

year

for

Dr.

Babasaheb

Ambedkar. It was year that gave him international honour. The renowned University of Columbia to

honour

1950 Dr.

decided

Babasaheb

Ambedkar by conferring the Doctor of Laws degree. L.L.D. ( Honoris Causa) upon him for his pivotal role in drafting the constitution of the independent India. Obviously Ambedkar was elated, all the more because it was from the institute where he obtained the M.A. and Ph. D degrees in 1915 and 1917. Owing to his ill health and other commitments the function was held on 5th June 1952.

His grand success won him accolades from all corners, also the then

Vice-President Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan wrote a congratulatory letter to him.

Later on 12th January 1953, Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar was conferred

D. Lit. (Doctor of Literature.) by the Osmania University, Hyderabad.

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The golden movement of conversion. 14th October 1956.

During

the

convocation

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was described as a person of great eminence, one of the ablest lawyers, a prominent legislator, a Champion of the backwards and down trodden people of India.

Though honour and citations

come his way, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s mind was pre-occupied by thoughts of conversion. He now wished to spend his life in the propagation of Buddhism. That he was having close affinity with Buddhism can be seen from a conversation he had with Mulk Raj Anand the author of the novel ‘The Untouchable’ in May 1950.

Mulk Raj Anand greeted Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by saying

‘Namasakar’.

Dr.Babasaheb

Ambedkar

said

that

prefers

the

Buddhist greeting. ‘Om Mani Padme Hun’ May the lotuses awake. As Namaskar perpetuates submission! May the lotuses awake is a prayer for Metta Bhavana, - Higher freindship!

Mulk Raj Anand asked Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar that what message he

would like to give the rejects. Ambedkar said “Be a lion! Hindus sacrificed goats before the image of Kali. You be your light ‘atta deep bhav’.

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During the golden moment of conversion along with Mahasthaveer Bhikku Chandramani.

In line with this he wrote a

paper in the Journal of Mahabodhi society in 1950. ‘The Buddha and

Future

His

Religion’.

inquiring mind took him

to Colombo in 1954 to study the practice of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

He also attended the world

Buddhist conference in Rangoon in 1955.

While delivering a speech on the All India Radio on 3rd October 1954, he

stated that his Philosophy of life was Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, which he had derived from the great Buddha, whom he considered to be his Master. From the above three, he gave the highest place to Fraternity as the only real safeguard against the denial of liberty or equality.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had already vowed to denounce Hinduism,

after that he had conducted a detailed study of all religions. He deeply felt for ‘Buddhism’.

In a statement issued from New Delhi he announced his conversion to

Buddhism. The place was to be Nagpur and the day 14th October 1956, also the Dussehra day (Ashoka Vijaya Dashmi). Likewise the programme details

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The golden moment of conversion along with the members of the conversion felicitation committee.

were published in ‘Prabuddha Bharat’ weekly. Handbills were also distributed the conversion ceremony was open to all.

The programme was arranged on the

open ground near Vaccine Institute, South Ambazari Road, Nagpur. Bamboo sheets covered the ground; about 3000 electric bulbs were arranged all over the place.

The ground was called as the Deeksha

Bhoomi. A crowd of about 6 lakh people thronged the ground. The arrangement of the ceremony was entrusted to ‘Samata Sainik Dal’ of Nagpur and Mumbai.

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The golden moment of conversion along with the members of the conversion felicitation committee.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

arrived at the place alongwith Mahasthavir Bhikku Chandramani at 9:30 am. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Maisaheb, alias Dr. Savita (wife of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar) stood with folded hands in front of the idol of Lord Buddha. Mahasthavir Bhikku Chandramani then recited Trisharam and Panchsheela his words and thus converted to Buddhism.

The gathered masses also were converted in the similar manner; they

were made to take 22 pledges. A feeling of contentment and divinity reflected on each face. They were now free from the century old bondage for the first time in their life the breathed in an atmosphere of freedom.

Alone with other prominent people Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son

Yashwantrao Ambedkar also embraced Buddhism. A beautiful monument has been built on the Deeksha Bhoomi and it has assumed the position of a pilgrimage for all.

In a speech he delivered on 15th October 1956. He spoke in length about

the conversion, to quote his words long back he had vowed that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Though I am born as a Hindu I will not die as a Hindu and I proved it yesterday. I am overjoyed I am exalted. I feel I have been liberated from the hell.

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“Buddha was born as a son of man and was content to remain a common man and preached his gospel as a common man. He never claimed any supernatural origin or supernatural power nor did he perform miracles to prove his supernatural powers”.

I do not want blind followers. Those who wish to embrace Buddhism they should accept it with comprehension. Their conscious should accept it with that religion”.

He went on to say that the Buddhist Sangh is like an ocean, after a

river merges into the ocean, it is not possible to identify the water of Ganga or Mahanadi. Similarly when one joins the Buddha Sangh, one loses ones caste and becomes equal.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivering a speech during the golden moment of conversion. 15th October 1956.

While stressing on the need

of conversion he said that Religion was

necessary

for

everyone

particularly the poor, as the poor man survives on hope Religion promises hope, thus the poor cling to it.

He felt the Buddhism was

a path of elevation and progress; it is a 2500 years old religion that had the provision of change with the change of time.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with Mahasthaveer Bhikku Chandramani and other Bhikkus.

The principal task of Buddhism is to emancipate depressed and poor people from sorrow. He also advised his followers to behave in a dignified way and bring glory to Buddhism. He sincerely believed that only the Buddhist religion would be the saviour of the world. Glancing through his life, one is left with deep respect coupled with a great awe.

An erudite of the highest order and at the same time humility personified.

Millions consider him as their icon, and are ready to sacrifice even for his name! Who were then his inspirations?

We can get the answer from one of his speeches at Purandare Stadium

Mumbai, his followers had facilitated him and offered him a Purse of Rs.1 lakh 18 thousand. This was a token of their love for him. Which they wanted him to use it for his treatment.

Immersed in the ocean of compassion Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar humbly

accepted the funds, but declared that he would use it for building a community hall that he had planned to construct.

Retrospecting his life, he then spoke to his followers about the people

who inspired him. In brief he spoke about his birth and childhood.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Kathmandu, Nepal.

He confessed that he was an average boy and everybody would say that he would do nothing in his life. He also said that he doesn’t think that he had certain latent talents and therefore he could be a success. But during the formative phase of his life, he was fortunate to come across a few extraordinary persons who are responsible to give his life different dimensions. He called these people as his Gurus (teachers).

His first Guru was ‘Buddha’. He came in contact with the Tathagat

when he had passed his matriculation exam. As the days passed by, he was decisively convinced that only Buddhism would be able to save the caste-ridden society.

His second Guru was ‘Kabir’ (a saint) Ambedkar’s father was a follower

of Kabir, in a way there always would be an aura of holiness in the house. He could find great similarity between Buddha and Kabir. Indeed he felt that Kabir’s philosophy was based on Buddha.

His third Guru was ‘Mahatma Jotiba Phule’ who was a torchbearer

for all the downtrodden masses. His contribution towards their upliftment is uncomparable.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivering a speech on Buddha or Karl Marx in Kathmandu. 20th November 1956.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar makes a proud affirmation that he had always been a follower of Jyotiba and shall remain so, for all his life.

Other than the above he was

a worshipper of Knowledge, Selfrespect and Character. It was only due to knowledge that he could raise to the present position. Knowledge imparts peace and humanity to its followers. Due to the rigid caste system a large number of people remained away from it, but now they should educate themselves, as it was the only panacea for all their problems.

Secondly his self-respect had carved out his unique identity. He never

had compromised or had put to stake his self-respect during his entire life.

He therefore could stand with his head upright and was never fearful

while dealing with the most difficult situations.

Lastly his biggest asset was his spotless character, he boldly said that he

had never ever duped anyone nor was lies or malice ever his allies. He never smoked nor was he addicted to anything. He said that a strong character is like a concrete foundation, on which can be built a sound personality.

In the most humble way he said that he was nothing without knowledge,

self-respect and character, thus the felicitation was of these three tenets.

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Kathmandu, Nepal.

He was just embodiment of these tenets.

His followers should emulate

these tenets and attempt to aspire achieve success. While pursing their personal goals, they should also contribute in serving their community. In a somber mood he said that he would like to see them on the path of progress while he was alive.

Strong will power had enabled Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to face all

sorts of difficulties, but as he was suffering from diabetes since1948, his health started detiorating. He had also been bed-ridden for a few months. Even then he kept himself busy. Three days after completing his book â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Buddha and his Dhammaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; he passed away in his sleep on 6th December, 1956 at his home in Delhi. He was cremated as per the Buddhist custom at Chowpatty beach on 7th December. His funeral was attended by millions of his supporters and admirers.

He was posthumously awarded Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest civilian honour, the

Bharat Ratna in 1990,

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivering his last sermon in Sarnath, 25th November 1956.

His

voice

had

awakened

masses

and

transformed them into a force to reckon with. He was known not only as a visionary leader, a bibliophile and a voracious leader, a parliamentarian par excellence but also the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Architect of the Indian Constitutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

He shall forever be immortal as he lives in

every Indian. We are proud to call ourselves the citizens of the largest democracy in the world and bask in the liberties that come our way through the constitution.

We owe this to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

who, encountering a number of hardships presented an unbiased and unprejudiced constitution that included the well being of its huge population characterized by numerous diversities.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mahaparinirvanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. 6th December 1956.

His capacity to offer constructive opposition and to do away with disparities when the need arose was the most important striking feature of his personality. His wisdom was essenced with an approach that was egalitarian. His life was a penance, His salvation was justice for his people, His message was universal, crossing the boundaries of time and space, His philosophy was based on Freedom, Equality and Fraternity, He suggested the world should be reconstructed on the basis of Dhamma.

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Farewell to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bodhisatvaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. 7th December 1956, Mumbai.

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209

“My definition of democracy is a form and a method of government whereby revolutionary changes in the economic and social life of the people are brought about without bloodshed.”

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the ‘Bharatratna’ on 14th April 1990.

A maxim that needs to be followed by the world today. It shall certainly not be a hyperbole to suggest that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was as an embodiment of Buddha himself and can be called the ‘Modern Buddha’

His journey that had commenced from

the fight for freedom eventually concluded at the lotus feet of Tathagat Gautam Buddha. His eternal and inspirational journey conveys a message for countless ages- ‘atta deep bhav’‘Be your own light’. Buddham Sharanam Gachchhami!

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Acknowledgement • University of Pune • Dr. Elinor Zeliyot • C. B Khairmode • Dhananjay Keer • Prakash Ambedkar • Maisaheb Ambedkar •Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research Centre, Rajgruha, Mumbai • The Times of India • Vasant Moon • Ramesh Shinde • Kewaldas Bansod •Vijay Surwade • Pramod Ramteke • Chandrakant Mugle • J. J. School of Arts, Mumbai, • Films Division, Govt. Of India • Mangesh Bansod • R. R. Patil • Shantiswaroop Bouddha, New Delhi, • Madhavrao Kolge, Thane • Peoples Education Society, Mumbai,• Maharashtra State Archieves, Mumbai • MilindCollege of Arts and Science, Aurangabad. • Principal Machindra Wahul •Mahesh Bhartiya • P.G. Jogdand • Deepak Madhale, Dhhamdeep Photo Studio, Nipani • Pradeep Tayde Indo Welfare Trust, Mumbai. • Mohhamadbhai Photo Studio, Aurangabad • Amruta Creations - Vikesh Chavan • Milind Welinkar • Bhasha Bharati • All Photographers, Photo Studios, Photo collectors •

Refrence Books: • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol. 17 part 1, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his Egalitarian revolutions, Struggle for Human Rights, Edited by Prof. Hari Narke • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol. 17 part 2, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his Egalitarian revolutions, Socio-Political, Religious Activities, Edited by Prof. Hari Narke • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol. 17 part 3, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his Egalitarian revolutions, Speeches, Edited by Prof. Hari Narke

• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol. 18, part 11920-1936, Edited by Prof. Hari Narke • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol. 18 part 2, 1937-1945, Edited by Prof. Hari Narke • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol. 18, part 3, 1946-1956, Edited by Prof. Hari Narke • Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Movement of Untouchables. Vol-1, Edited by Vasant Moon. • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Bahishkrut Bharat and Muknayak, Edited by Vasant Moon • The Essential Writings of B.R. Ambedkar, Edited by Valerian Rodrigues.

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