B. R. Ambedkar
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar ([bʱiːmraːw raːmdʑiː aːmbeːɽkər]; 14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), popularly also
known as Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, political leader, philosopher, anthropologist, historian, orator, economist,
teacher, editor, prolific writer, revolutionary and a revivalist for Buddhism in India. He was also the chief architect
of the Indian Constitution. In 2012 he was chosen greatest Indian after Mahatma Gandhi in a nationwide poll held by
History TV and CNN-IBN.[1][2]
Born into a poor Mahar (considered an Untouchable caste) family, Ambedkar campaigned against social
discrimination, the system of Chaturvarna – the categorisation of Hindu society into four varnas – and the Hindu
caste system. He converted to Buddhism and is also credited with providing a spark for the transformation of
hundreds of thousands of Dalits or untouchables to Theravada Buddhism. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the
Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1990.[3]
known as Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, political leader, philosopher, anthropologist, historian, orator, economist,
teacher, editor, prolific writer, revolutionary and a revivalist for Buddhism in India. He was also the chief architect
of the Indian Constitution. In 2012 he was chosen greatest Indian after Mahatma Gandhi in a nationwide poll held by
History TV and CNN-IBN.[1][2]
Born into a poor Mahar (considered an Untouchable caste) family, Ambedkar campaigned against social
discrimination, the system of Chaturvarna – the categorisation of Hindu society into four varnas – and the Hindu
caste system. He converted to Buddhism and is also credited with providing a spark for the transformation of
hundreds of thousands of Dalits or untouchables to Theravada Buddhism. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the
Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1990.[3]
Overcoming numerous social and financial obstacles, Ambedkar became one of the first Dalits (untouchables) to
obtain a college education in India. Eventually earning a law degree and doctorates for his study and research in law,
economics and political science from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, Ambedkar gained
a reputation as a scholar and practised law for a few years, later campaigning by publishing journals advocating
political rights and social freedom for India's untouchables.
He is regarded as a Bodhisattva by some Indian Buddhists, though he never claimed himself to be a Bodhisattva.[4]
Ambedkar said at a public function in 1956, while he was converting, that, "accepting Buddhism does not only mean
getting into new religion it means entering into new form of life where everybody has responsibility to cultivate
wisdom, compassion and morality in this life moments, buddha`s dhamma is here to guide and protect humanity,
what we have to do is to strive for creating a moral order"[5]
obtain a college education in India. Eventually earning a law degree and doctorates for his study and research in law,
economics and political science from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, Ambedkar gained
a reputation as a scholar and practised law for a few years, later campaigning by publishing journals advocating
political rights and social freedom for India's untouchables.
He is regarded as a Bodhisattva by some Indian Buddhists, though he never claimed himself to be a Bodhisattva.[4]
Ambedkar said at a public function in 1956, while he was converting, that, "accepting Buddhism does not only mean
getting into new religion it means entering into new form of life where everybody has responsibility to cultivate
wisdom, compassion and morality in this life moments, buddha`s dhamma is here to guide and protect humanity,
what we have to do is to strive for creating a moral order"[5]
Early life and education
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar seen as a young
man[6]
Ambedkar was born in the town and military cantonment of Mhow in
the Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh).[7] He was the 14th
and last child of Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai.[] His family was
of Marathi background from the town of Ambavade (Mandangad
taluka) in Ratnagiri district of modern-day Maharashtra. They
belonged to the Mahar caste, who were treated as untouchables and
subjected to socio-economic discrimination.[8] Ambedkar's ancestors
had for long been in the employment of the army of the British East
India Company, and, his father served in the Indian Army at the Mhow
cantonment. Having had little formal education in Marathi and English,
but encouraging his children to learn and work hard at school.[citation
needed]
Belonging to the Kabir Panth, Ramji Sakpal encouraged his children to
read the Hindu classics. He used his position in the army to lobby for
his children to study at the government school, as they faced resistance
owing to their caste. Although able to attend school, Ambedkar and
other untouchable children were segregated and given little attention or
assistance by the teachers. They were not allowed to sit inside the class. Even if they needed to drink water
somebody from a higher caste would have to pour that water from a height as they were not allowed to touch either
the water or the vessel that contained it. This task was usually performed for the young Ambedkar by the school
peon, and if the peon was not available then he had to go without water, Ambedkar states this situation as "No peon,
No Water".[] He was required to sit on a gunny sack which he had to take home with him.[9] Ramji Sakpal retired in
1894 and the family moved to Satara two years later. Shortly after their move, Ambedkar's mother died. The children
were cared for by their paternal aunt, and lived in difficult circumstances. Three sons – Balaram, Anandrao and
Bhimrao – and two daughters – Manjula and Tulasa – of the Ambedkars would go on to survive them. Of his
brothers and sisters, only Ambedkar succeeded in passing his examinations and graduating to a high school. Bhimrao
Sakpal Ambavadekar the surname comes from his native village 'Ambavade' in Ratnagiri District.[] His Brahmin
teacher, Mahadev Ambedkar, who was fond of him, changed his surname from 'Ambavadekar' to his own surname
'Ambedkar' in school records.[]
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar seen as a young
man[6]
Ambedkar was born in the town and military cantonment of Mhow in
the Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh).[7] He was the 14th
and last child of Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai.[] His family was
of Marathi background from the town of Ambavade (Mandangad
taluka) in Ratnagiri district of modern-day Maharashtra. They
belonged to the Mahar caste, who were treated as untouchables and
subjected to socio-economic discrimination.[8] Ambedkar's ancestors
had for long been in the employment of the army of the British East
India Company, and, his father served in the Indian Army at the Mhow
cantonment. Having had little formal education in Marathi and English,
but encouraging his children to learn and work hard at school.[citation
needed]
Belonging to the Kabir Panth, Ramji Sakpal encouraged his children to
read the Hindu classics. He used his position in the army to lobby for
his children to study at the government school, as they faced resistance
owing to their caste. Although able to attend school, Ambedkar and
other untouchable children were segregated and given little attention or
assistance by the teachers. They were not allowed to sit inside the class. Even if they needed to drink water
somebody from a higher caste would have to pour that water from a height as they were not allowed to touch either
the water or the vessel that contained it. This task was usually performed for the young Ambedkar by the school
peon, and if the peon was not available then he had to go without water, Ambedkar states this situation as "No peon,
No Water".[] He was required to sit on a gunny sack which he had to take home with him.[9] Ramji Sakpal retired in
1894 and the family moved to Satara two years later. Shortly after their move, Ambedkar's mother died. The children
were cared for by their paternal aunt, and lived in difficult circumstances. Three sons – Balaram, Anandrao and
Bhimrao – and two daughters – Manjula and Tulasa – of the Ambedkars would go on to survive them. Of his
brothers and sisters, only Ambedkar succeeded in passing his examinations and graduating to a high school. Bhimrao
Sakpal Ambavadekar the surname comes from his native village 'Ambavade' in Ratnagiri District.[] His Brahmin
teacher, Mahadev Ambedkar, who was fond of him, changed his surname from 'Ambavadekar' to his own surname
'Ambedkar' in school records.[]
No comments:
Post a Comment