A homage to Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar

By Pradip Jain

On April 14, India celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti, marking the 134 years of birth of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, born in 1891. It's remarkable how his ideas and legacy continue to resonate across generations. He is widely regarded as the "Father of the Indian Constitution" and was a trailblazer in advocating for social justice, equality, and human rights.

Dr Ambedkar's life was dedicated to fighting caste-based discrimination and uplifting marginalized communities. His contributions continue to inspire movements for social reform and empowerment.

Definitive Stamp issued by the Government of India on different occasions to pay homage to Dr B R Ambedkar.

Ambedkar Jayanti is observed not only in India but also internationally, with events like processions, seminars, and tributes to honor his legacy. It's a moment to reflect on his vision of a more just and inclusive society.

Dr Ambedkar stamps issued in 1966 and 1991.

Dr B R Ambedkar, fondly known as Babasaheb, was born into a Mahar family on April 14, 1891, in Mhow (present-day Dr Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh, India. His father served as a Subedar in the Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army. As a child, Ambedkar was remarkably studious and hardworking, realizing early on that a sound education was the key to improving his circumstances. He later said, "Nobody can remove our grievances as well as we can".

Babasaheb graduated from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, making history as one of the first from a Dalit community to achieve such an academic milestone. He pursued advanced studies in economics at Columbia University in the United States and at the London School of Economics, earning a doctorate. Additionally, he trained in law at Gray’s Inn in London. In his early years, Dr Ambedkar established himself as an economist, lawyer, and professor. He later ventured into political activism, dedicating the latter part of his life to fighting for India's independence and social reforms.

Dr B R Ambedkar and Constitution of India stamps issued in 2015 and 1973.

Upon returning to India in 1923, Ambedkar launched campaigns to eradicate the social injustices and disabilities faced by the "untouchables" (later referred to as Dalits or Scheduled Castes). Politically, he advocated for a unified, self-governing Indian community with constitutional safeguards for marginalized groups. A staunch socialist, Ambedkar believed socialism had little value without achieving religious and social equality. Despite his sometimes radical stances on social and political matters, his profound patriotism and scholarship were undeniable. Recognizing his exceptional talents, the leaders of Independent India entrusted him with significant roles to shape the nation’s future.

Dr B R Ambedkar Stamp First Day Cover 1991, and Constitution of India, stamp 2024.

Dr Ambedkar participated in all three Round Table Conferences held in London, where he eloquently and forcefully articulated his views on the rights of the oppressed and the abolition of untouchability. In 1947, following India’s independence, Ambedkar was appointed as the first Law and Justice Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. As chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, he played a pivotal role in drafting India’s Constitution, embedding the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity to ensure justice for all.

Dr Ambedkar, along with approximately 400,000 followers embraced Buddhism at Deeksha Bhoomi (Maharashtra), in a historic mass conversion ceremony.

On October 14, 1956, he embraced Buddhism in a historic mass conversion event, alongside thousands of his followers. That same year, he completed his final work, "The Buddha and His Dhamma". Dr Ambedkar devoted his life to championing the rights of Dalits and the underprivileged classes.

Dr Ambedkar was cremated at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Dr Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956, at New Delhi. In recognition of his monumental contributions to the nation, he was posthumously honored with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1990.

Bharat Ratna Bhimrao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training, Jabalpur.

(The author's involvement in Indian and global philately stretches over many years. He won several Gold Medals in International philately and served three terms as the Governing Council member of the Philatelic Congress of India. Contact: [email protected])

(All Photos courtesy: Pradip Jain)