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In the span of about four decades Dr. B.R. Ambedkar went through various phases. He led the struggles of untouchables for securing them human rights of drinking water from public tanks; for separate electorate to the depressed classes. He organised first the Independent Labour Party (ILP) and later the Scheduled Castes Federation(SCF). He became the Labour Member in the Vicerory's Executive Council in 1942; and later became the Law Member of the First cabinet of the Independent India. He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the constituent Assembly of India and became known as the 'Architect of the Costitution'. In the last phase he renounced Hinduism and embraced Buddhism. He subordinated his movement for social emancipation to religious reform movements. When he saw that political freedom was in offing he laid emphasis on adult franchise. Religious awakening and social reform became the touch-stones of his whole thinking process. He urged the collective aspects of huamn life. He thought that teh balance between material and spiritual awakening must be struck; as without it a developing society could not flourish. Ambedkar was a versatile person. Here is a brief appreciation of the various facets of his life. Ambedkar's thirst for knowledge, his passion for books and his erudtio were unique. He distinguished himself in History, Economics, Politics, Law and Constitution. In these subjects he acquired highest degrees of three world-famous English and American Universities. Throughout his life, this sacrifice for knowledge was going on in an ever-increasing degree. He was an voracious reader and knew seven languages. He built his bungalow 'Rajgriha' (Buddha's palace) to suit the requirements of a good library. He stayed, took his meals and even slept in that library. His library contained upto-date books on various topics. There was one separate division of political biographies. Books were his greatest friends. He said, "For a man like me who was socially boycotted, these books took me to their heart." He described his love of a lover for his beloved. D.E. Vaccha remarked. "Ambedkar was unquestionably a very learned man of varied and versatile scholarship." Osmania University conferred, the LL.D. degree on him in 1953. In the citation he was described as 'a person of great eminence, high attainment and distinguished service, one of the ablest lawyers, prominent legislators, a champion of the backward and down-trodden people of India." |
His book on 'Pakistan' attracted attention of amny thinkers and politicans. In that book he first clearly put forth the difference between the community and the nation. Jinnah read that book and he, in a letter to Gandhiji (17 September 1944), recommended him to read it. Gandhiji admitted that 'it is ably written' but said that 'it carried no conviction to him.' Many people differed from his views and conclusions, "but nobody can deny the candour and competence with which he has discussed this difficult and intriguing topics." Columbia University at its special convocation on 15th June, 1952, conferred the degree LLD. (Honoris Causa) on him. The citation said, "The degree in being conferred in recognition of the work done by him in connection with the drafting of India's Constitution". Columbia University hailed him as "one of India's leading citizens, a great social reformer and a valiant upholder of human right." Ambedkar practised in the Bombay High Court. He being a Mahar (an untouchable) by caste, the other caste-Hindu barristers would not even take tea at his table. In the initial stage he had not even five hundred rupees to obtain his Sanad to practise in the High Court. He was very liberal in his treatment of clients. He had on his shelf Law Reports and Judicial Decisions from High Courts of every country. "At one stage because of his education and status in public life, there was a possibility of his being appointed a judge of the High Court." Educationist |
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