As India pays tribute to one of its most influential visionaries, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar — affectionately known as Baba Saheb — it is crucial to consider the vast impact of his work across all levels of Indian society, especially his relentless advocacy for women, minorities, and the underprivileged, as well as his pivotal role in crafting the Indian Constitution. Born on April 14, 1891, into a Dalit family in Mhow (now in Madhya Pradesh), Ambedkar’s early years were marred by the harsh and dehumanising practice of untouchability. Despite facing systemic discrimination and social exclusion, he triumphed through education, earning doctorates from both Columbia University and the London School of Economics, an extraordinary achievement for any Indian of his era, particularly one from a marginalised community.
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Advocate for women’s rights
One of the often-overlooked aspects of Ambedkar’s legacy is his profound dedication to gender equality. He recognised that genuine democracy and progress were unattainable without empowering women. As India’s first law minister and the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, he was instrumental in ensuring that the Constitution guaranteed equal rights for women. Due to his efforts, the Constitution prohibits gender-based discrimination and ensures legal equality. His initiatives extended beyond theoretical or legal constructs. As the chief architect of the Hindu Code Bill in the 1950s, he aimed to grant Hindu women legal rights concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property. Although the Bill faced strong opposition from conservative factions and was not passed in its original form during his tenure, it laid the foundation for future reforms. Ambedkar eventually resigned from his ministerial position in protest of the delay, underscoring his unwavering commitment to women’s rights. Ambedkar’s writings and speeches reveal his deep concern for women. He often remarked, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” This vision continues to inspire generations of people advocating for women’s rights in India and beyond.
Champion of the marginalised
Ambedkar’s dedication to social justice extended beyond caste; he was a tireless advocate for all minorities and oppressed groups. He understood the complex layers of discrimination that afflicted Indian society — rooted in caste, religion, class, and gender. Consequently, his social philosophy was inclusive, aiming to create an equitable society for everyone. For Dalits and Scheduled Castes, Ambedkar was a saviour. His relentless efforts to dismantle the caste system were rooted in his belief that Dalits should not merely be recipients of charity but rightful claimants to dignity, rights, and opportunities. He established institutions such as the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha to promote education and socio-economic upliftment among Dalits and also started journals like Mook Nayak and Bahishkrit Bharat to voice the struggles and aspirations of the oppressed. Through these platforms, he awakened a sense of identity, pride, and resistance in Dalit consciousness. His call to “Educate, Agitate, Organise” became a rallying cry that continues to energise Dalit movements across India.
He fought relentlessly to secure their political, educational, and economic rights. He demanded separate electorates for Dalits under the British government’s Communal Award. This demand led to the historic Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi. While the Pact reserved seats for Dalits in general electorates rather than granting them separate electorates, it was a landmark agreement in Indian political history. Ambedkar’s most cherished and lasting contribution is his pivotal role in crafting the India’s Constitution. Tasked with the immense responsibility of drafting the country’s foundational charter, Ambedkar imbued it with the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity — values he gleaned from his extensive study of Western liberal philosophy and his personal experiences of discrimination.
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The Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, stands as a testament to Ambedkar’s vision for a modern, democratic, and inclusive India. It ensures fundamental rights for all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, gender, or religion, and empowers individuals through provisions for social justice, affirmative action, and equal opportunity. Ambedkar firmly believed that political democracy must be accompanied by social and economic democracy. He cautioned the Constituent Assembly, “We are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics, we will have equality and in social and economic life, we will have inequality.” This prescient warning continues to resonate, reminding us that the struggle for equality is ongoing. He also highlighted the significance of constitutional morality, emphasising that the success of any democratic system relies not only on rules but also on the spirit in which those rules are upheld. His foresight ensured that the Constitution could remain steadfast in its ideals while being adaptable to changing circumstances.
Ambedkar’s influence transcends India’s borders. His work on human rights, social justice, and democracy continues to inspire global movements. He is often compared to figures like Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela for his dedication to combat systemic oppression through non-violent means and intellectual rigour. His teachings on Buddhism and his conversion in 1956, along with millions of his followers, also underscore his spiritual journey toward a more humane and egalitarian society. His adoption of Buddhism was both a personal act of liberation and a collective statement against caste-based oppression, reviving the values of compassion, rationality, and equality that underpin Buddhist philosophy.
Ambedkar was not merely a leader of the oppressed — he was a leader for all Indians. His vision of a just, inclusive, and democratic society remains as pertinent today as it was in the mid-20th century. At a time when the principles of equality and social justice are being challenged globally, Ambedkar’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action. As we honour Baba Saheb’s contributions, let us strive to embody his ideals. Let us recognise that the true tribute to Ambedkar lies in continuing the struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity — for women, for minorities, and for every citizen of this nation. Ambedkar once said, “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.” Let us cultivate our minds and consciences in ways that carry forward his mission — creating a society where every person, irrespective of their background, can experience freedom, dignity, and opportunity. Baba Saheb envisioned a future not just for a single community or era, but for all of humanity, for eternity.
The writer is Power and PWD minister, Government of Punjab and a research scholar at Panjab University, Chandigarh