Ambedkar Jayanti 2024: Interesting Facts About ‘Father of Indian Constitution’

One of the most influential individuals in Indian history is Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, commonly referred to as B.R. Ambedkar. Ambedkar was subjected to caste persecution from a young age, having been born on April 14, 1891, into the marginalized Mahar caste in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. Nevertheless, he overcame all obstacles because of his unwavering spirit and insatiable curiosity.

Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated every year widely across India on April 14 to mark the birth anniversary of the 'Father of the Indian Constitution.' Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was best known for his struggle against untouchability in Indian Society. He was one of the social reformers, economists, politicians, thinkers, and the first Law Minister of Independent India. Babasaheb stood for the rights of Dalits, women and labor, and fought against social discrimination.

This year, we are celebrating Ambedkar's 133rd birth anniversary. Here are some interesting facts about B R Ambedkar.

• Dr B R Ambedkar completed his studies at the Universities in the US, UK, and Germany. He obtained a degree in Economics and Political Science from Bombay University and did his Masters at Columbia University, New York. Later he took training as a lawyer in London.
• In 1936, Ambedkar returned to India and wrote his magnum opus 'Annihilation of Caste', during the Independence movement.
• Babasaheb had a personal library called "Rajgirh" which had more than 50,000 books and it was known to be the world's largest private library.
• Ambedkar led a committed struggle against discrimination and spoke strongly against Manusmriti for justifying caste discrimination and untouchability. The impact of B.R. Ambedkar on Indian society is enormous. He is regarded as an advocate of democracy, equality, and social justice. Movements in India that fight for the rights of underprivileged groups are still motivated by his beliefs.
• Ambedkar was a fervent supporter of gender equality and women's rights. He was an outspoken advocate of women's education and social reforms and stressed the value of education and female empowerment. He played a key role in the introduction of policies that raised women's standing in Indian culture and the legal system.
• He took part in framing the Indian Constitution after becoming the Law Minister and also played a critical role in forming the Reserve Bank of India.
• In addition to his scholarly and political endeavors, Ambedkar made noteworthy advances in the field of water resource management. He conducted an in-depth study on the topic and offered creative ideas for managing and conserving water, especially in areas of India that are vulnerable to drought.
• In 1956, Ambedkar and his wife converted to Buddhism along with around 200,000 fellow Dalits, at a ceremony in Nagpur.
• Dr B R Ambedkar was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, in 1990.

Also Read: Dr B.R. Ambedkar College of law - Andhra University, Vishakapatnam