April 14 marks the birthday of one of the most renowned as well as brave personalities, who will remain an inspiration for generations to come. The birthday of an individual whose legacy lives on in every Indian heart. It is dedicated to Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), on whose honour it is celebrated as a national holiday.
His Professional Life
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, economist, and Dalit leader who led the committee responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution from the Constituent Assembly debates, served as Law and Justice Minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s first cabinet, and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement after renounceing Hinduism.
Ambedkar received his bachelor’s degree from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, then went on to study economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, earning doctorates in 1927 and 1923, respectively, and being one of only a few Indian scholars to accomplish so in the 1920s.
He also received legal training at Gray’s Inn in London. He worked as an economist, professor, and lawyer in his early years. His later life was defined by his political efforts, which included fighting and negotiating for India’s independence, publishing journals, pushing for Dalit political rights and social freedom, and making substantial contributions to the foundation of the Indian state. He turned to Buddhism in 1956, sparking a wave of Dalit conversions.
Tributes
Today is the legend’s birthday, and the country is commemorating it. Throughout the nation, he received tributes. On the 131st birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, independent India’s first law minister, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the nation in honouring the Dalit icon. “On Babasaheb’s birth anniversary, my humble tributes!” As the author of contemporary India’s constitution, Babasaheb was a passionate advocate for social justice. Let us contribute to the creation of a more inclusive society by adopting President Kovind’s concept of “Indian first, Indian later, and Indian last,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.
“On the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Jayanti, I pay tribute to him. He has left an indelible mark on India’s development. This is a day to reaffirm our commitment to achieving his goals for our country,” PM Modi said on Twitter.
