Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar - Father of Indian Constitution

Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the father of Indian Constitution was born in a Dalit Mahar family on April 14, 1891. He was the last child of Ramji Maloji Sakpal. The so-called upper caste Hindus significantly discriminated against the Dalit Mahar caste, treating them as untouchables. Ramji Maloji Sakpal has worked in the British Indian Army and, after retirement, settled in Mhow, now in Madhya Pradesh. It was here that Bhim Rao Ambedkar was born.

Ambedkar dedicated his life to uplifting the social status and rights of Dalits in India. His lectures and writings spotlighting the discrimination faced by Dalits quickly established Ambedkar as a national leader in social reform. This reputation and expertise later led to his landmark appointment as Chairman of the Drafting Committee, where Ambedkar played the central role in framing independent India’s new Constitution.

What is the Constitution of India?

The Indian Constitution is the foundation upon which the nation is built. It’s the supreme law of the land, outlining the core principles of governance.

What it Does:

• Sets the Ground Rules: It establishes the framework for the Indian government, defining its structure (legislature, executive, judiciary) and how these branches interact.
• Guarantees Rights: The Constitution enshrines fundamental rights for all citizens, ensuring equality, freedom, and justice.
• Defines Duties: It also outlines the responsibilities citizens have towards the nation.
• Guides Governance: The document lays out directives for the government, promoting social welfare and economic development.

A Historic Milestone:

Adopted in 1949 and coming into effect in 1950, the Indian Constitution marked the birth of the Republic of India. It’s one of the longest-written constitutions globally, with 470 articles categorized across 25 parts. These parts delve into various aspects of governing, from fundamental rights to the distribution of power between the central and state governments.

Who is the Father of the Indian Constitution?

Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar was the chief architect and referred to as the “Father of Indian Constitution.” Being an ambitious leader and social reformer, he dedicated his life’s work to fighting discrimination against Dalits. On August 29, 1947, he was appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee tasked with framing independent India’s Constitution. To prepare, Ambedkar thoroughly studied the constitutions of 60 other nations.

After independence, the government recognized Ambedkar’s instrumental role by naming him India’s first Union Law Minister. He also laid important policy groundwork across roles – from establishing guidelines that shaped the Reserve Bank of India to championing labor reforms for the vulnerable as a member of the Viceroy’s Council. Ambedkar is rightly remembered as a transformative national leader due to his foundational impact spanning social justice, governance, and economics.

Why is Bhimrao Ambedkar Known as the Father of Indian Constitution?

Bhimrao Ambedkar is known as the Father of Indian Constitution due to his instrumental role in its drafting and framing. Here’s a breakdown of his key contributions:

• Leadership of the Drafting Committee: He chaired the committee entrusted with creating the Constitution, guiding the entire process.
• Expertise and Vision: His vast knowledge of law, political theory, and social issues was crucial in shaping a comprehensive and inclusive document.
• Champion of Equality: He fiercely advocated for equal rights and protections for all citizens, especially marginalized communities. This vision is reflected in the Constitution’s provisions.

These significant contributions solidified his position as the architect of the Indian Constitution, earning him the title “Father of Indian Constitution.”

Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Life

As a child, his fellow students made fun of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar. He faced discrimination because he belonged to the so-called lower caste or untouchables. Baroda’s ruler awarded him a scholarship for his excellence. He used this scholarship to his advantage and studied at various foreign universities. He left the post of Defence Secretary at Baroda in 1923 because they treated him as untouchable. Instead, he started teaching and following his legal practice. He started actively working towards the upliftment of the Dalits in 1927. He led the Mahad Satyagraha, established the “Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha”, and founded the “All India Scheduled Castes Federation”.

What Dr Ambedkar Faced

Being born into a Dalit family, Ambedkar faced discrimination from his peers and society throughout his life. However, he took the leadership to reform the condition of Dalits in the country. He pushed for legislative reforms, recognition in educational institutions, etc. During his fight against the deeply rooted caste system in the country, he had to face the bias of the British and Indians. He considered untouchability a political issue and sought to dismiss it with political reforms. However, in this ideology, he was opposed by M. K. Gandhi. Gandhi thought that untouchability was more of a social issue.

The Key Role of Babasaheb

Ambedkar led the movement against untouchability in 1927. He and his followers marched to demand the right to draw water from public wells and other water resources. Ambedkar also organized the march to allow Dalits entry to the temples. He negotiated the untouchables’ political and educational status with M. K. Gandhi in the Poona Pact of 1932. Under this, he facilitated reservation seats for Dalits in political positions and educational institutions.

The Legacy of Babasaheb: Beyond the Constitution  

Indian society still follows the social reforms carried out by father of Indian constitution, the maker of the Constitution of India. He was a staunch supporter of equality, along with a thought-provoking writer. His works, from Annihilation of Caste to Thoughts on Pakistan, are still important in political literature Various commemorations have honored him for his efforts in enhancing the country’s social structure and economic stability. Many institutions across the country bear his name. They renamed his birthplace, Mhow, to Dr. Ambedkar Nagar. His birthday, April 14, is observed as a holiday as well.

Contributions to Indian Society 

Dr Ambedkar’s quotes include, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” Ambedkar worked for the lower castes of society to bring them self-esteem and better living conditions. He targeted his movements to secure equal rights for the untouchables, including access to safe drinking water, places of worship, etc.

He also considered education the most essential social tool for uplifting society. Ambedkar asked for separate electors for Dalits in the first Round Table Conference held in London in 1930. He worked towards the economic progress of the country by promoting industrialization. Dr Ambedkar proposed solutions for rural nationalism and collective farming.

About Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar: Father of Indian Constitution

Personal Information
Full Name	Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Nickname	Babasaheb Ambedkar
Birthdate	April 14, 1891
Birthplace	Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India
Father’s Name	Ramji Maloji Sakpal
Mother’s Name	Bhimabai Sakpal
Education	1. Elphinstone College, University of Mumbai 2. Columbia University, USA 3. London School of Economics, UK
Occupation	Social reformer, jurist, economist, politician
Religion	Buddhism
Family	Spouse: Ramabai Ambedkar Children: Yashwant, Gangadhar, Ramesh, Indu, Rajratna
Notable Accomplishments	1. Has been given the title of “Father of Indian Constitution.” 2. Is still considered a leader and hero by Dalits, Scheduled Castes, and the country’s marginalized communities. 3. A strict believer in social justice, equality, and human rights, his ideas are still referred to in political and social debates. 4. Encouraged Dalits to convert to Buddhism to find a religion that does not discriminate against them. Also led the Navayana Movement to provide spiritual shelter for the country’s marginalised communities. 5. Considered one of the most essential figures to have shaped the ideology of modern India, his guidelines and ideas on social, political, and economic development are still celebrated.
Legacy	1. Has been given the title of “Father of Indian Constitution.” 2. Is still considered a leader and hero by Dalits, Scheduled Castes, and the country’s marginalized communities. 3. A strict believer in social justice, equality, and human rights, his ideas are still referred to in political and social debates. 4. Encouraged Dalits to convert to Buddhism to find a religion that does not discriminate against them. Also led the Navayana Movement to provide spiritual shelter for the country’s marginalized communities. 5. Considered one of the most essential figures to have shaped the ideology of modern India, his guidelines and ideas on social, political, and economic development are still celebrated.

The Making of the Indian Constitution: Dr Ambedkar’s

Ambedkar initially aimed to ensure the representation of the people of Scheduled Castes when he joined the Constitutional Assembly. However, they appointed him as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

Ambedkar strongly favored a parliamentary form of government, as observed in America, instead of the British model. He also strengthened the central government to uphold the Union of States of India.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar favored a removable executive and a parliamentary form of government.
He also believed that the Constitution should include the Bill of Rights, based on the American Declaration of Independence. He established the fundamental rights of citizens of India to abolish the inequalities present in the community.

Dr Ambedkar thought that the rights provided a standard of conduct that the citizens should uphold. He was also firmly in favor of including Article 17, which abolishes untouchability of any form from the country. He pointed out that the Constitution establishes equality in the political sense. However, he found some inadequacies regarding social and economic fronts. In 1948, the Constitution of India became one of the few written constitutions in the world. It is comprehensive and very carefully worded by the Drafting Committee.

Contributions to Marginalized Communities 

Dr. Ambedkar, who drafted the Indian Constitution, always took active steps towards uplifting the country’s marginalized communities. This included leading movements that brought equal status to the people belonging to Scheduled Castes. He also proposed a separate Dalit electorate, which M.K. Gandhi opposed. As a negotiation, the Poona Pact marked the first step towards the political upliftment of the “depressed castes,” with its signing. He also included Articles 17 and 46 in the Constitution. Article 17 illegalises untouchability of any form from the country. He recognized that this does not give any active rights to the people. However, it was still a step towards bringing the condition of the marginalized community to equality.

Article 46 emphasizes the educational and economic upliftment of the Dalits and other marginalized sections. It provides reservations in educational institutions, employment places, etc., to reduce social and economic inequalities. He was also an advocate of entrepreneurship and industrialization for the economic upliftment of society. He wanted land reforms to distribute lands among the landless and backward castes of the community. His land reforms, economic guidelines, and establishment of the Tenancy Act are some of his outstanding achievements.

Notable Works of the Father of Indian Constitution

• Annihilation of Caste (1936): This powerful critique exposes the injustices of the caste system and advocates for its complete eradication. It remains a foundational text for movements promoting social equality in India.
• Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis, and Development (1916): This early research paper delves into the historical roots and social impact of the caste system, laying the groundwork for Ambedkar’s later work on social justice.
• The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution (1940): Demonstrating his multifaceted expertise, Ambedkar tackles economic issues. Here, he analyzes the challenges faced by the Indian rupee and proposes solutions for a more stable currency.
• States and Minorities (1945): This book addresses the concerns of minority groups within India, proposing frameworks for their protection and equal participation in society.
• Buddha and His Dhamma (1957): Ambedkar explores the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, highlighting principles of non-violence and social equality that resonated deeply with his vision for an inclusive India.
• The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables? (1959): This book delves into the historical roots and social conditions that led to the marginalization of the Dalit community. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the historical context of untouchability.

Also Read:-

Amendment in Indian Constitution: An Overview

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: An Overview

The Parts of Indian Constitution: A Comprehensive Guide

The struggles and challenges faced by Dr Ambedkar while drafting the Constitution 

Ambedkar, who is the father of the constitution, faced various struggles during the drafting of the document. The first challenge was that he had to create an amalgam of the idealist and realist ideas of Nehru and Patel, respectively. Dr Ambedkar also had to draw clear solutions for the debates on minority rights, federalism, etc.

Dr also faced challenges while trying to change the rigid social order in Indian society. He wanted to promote social justice and equality, for which different leaders had different ideas and viewpoints. He wanted to build a secular India that treats all its citizens as equals, which is a humongous task for a country as varied as India.

Ambedkar wrote the Indian constitution based on his Buddhist principles. He thus introduced the values of equality, liberty, justice, and fraternity in the Constitution. Ambedkar worked on the Constitution for 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days after the 114 days of meetings held by the Drafting Committee. He kept at work even through his deteriorating health.

Founding Fathers of the Indian Constitution

Founding Fathers of the Indian Constitution	Contributions
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar	Integrated princely states, are invaluable in constitutional discussions.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru	First Prime Minister, significant contributions to constitutional debates.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel	Prominent lawyer, with significant legal contributions to the Constitution.
K.M. Munshi	Lawyer, writer, politician, active in drafting the Constitution.
Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer	Integrated princely states are invaluable in constitutional discussions.
N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar	Drafted provisions for Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad	First Minister of Education, contributed to education and cultural reforms.
D.P. Khaitan	Legal scholar, enriched constitutional discussions with his expertise.

Conclusion  

After the promulgation of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, Ambedkar also known as the Father of Indian Constitution, returned to Bombay to recover his health. He acknowledged that the Constitution still had its limits. However, various essential parts of the documents, such as federalism, liberal democracy, and reforms for minorities, showcase the impact of the father of the Indian Constitution. A year later, in 1951, he resigned from the post of Law Minister because of differences in views of the government and his. Even after his death, his social reforms reflected the people of Scheduled Castes and other minority communities.

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