11th March 2016
RESEARCH
PAPER ON THE LIFE, WORK AND CONTRIBUTION OF DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR SUBMITTED BY SHRI T. M. NADAR, B.Com., LLB., D.C.L. (GLC.
Mum.), ADVOCATE, HIGH COURT.
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1. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar devoted
his initial life to acquire Universal Education in the midst of many
limitations, unfavourable circumstances, and several inhuman treatments meted
out to him by the then unjust Casteist Indian National Society. Still, he did
not violently protest or re-act at such ill-treatments like some un-civilized
people would, in the similar circumstances, have done. Dr. Ambedkar silently
swallowed all such insults and humiliations by the so-called ‘upper Classes or
Castes’ in the Hindu hierarchal Society. He was really a Maha-manav (Great
Person). With State support, Dr. Ambedkar utilized his Universal Education and
Knowledge acquired by him for the sake of others’ benefits and honestly and
tirelessly worked through out his self disciplined life and tried to bring
about a ‘Casteless Classless Equalitarian Indian National Society’ (Samtamulak
Samaj Vyvasatha) in which all the Citizens of India ( i. e.Bharat) should be equal
and be treated equally, civilly, socially, educationally, economically and
politically. Dr. Ambedkar, therefore, incorporated in the Indian Constitution,
amongst other provisions, the Right to Equality (Article 14) as one of the
Fundamental Rights for all the Citizens of India without any discrimination
based on caste, colour, creed (religious philosophy), sex, place of birth, etc.
Dr. Ambedkar is, therefore, worthy of emulation and remembrance on his 125th
Birth Anniversary which falls on the 14th day of April 2016, above all, as a tall Legal and Political Personality of India.
2. SYNOPSIS of a few Dates and Events on
the Life, Work and Contribution of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is as follows:-
14-4-1891
Dr. Bahasaheb Ramji Ambedkar, M. A., Ph. D., D. Sc., LL.D. (Collumbia ), D.
Litt (Osmania), Barrister-at-Law, a Dalit Icon, was born at Mahu ( Madhya
Pradesh) to a lower Untouchable Caste poor Family of Subhedar Ramji Sapkal and
Mrs. Bhimabai Ambedkar.
In
1896
Mother
of Dr. Ambedkar died.
-11-1900
Dr. Ambedkar started his Primary School Studies in Govt. High School of Satara,
Maharashtra.
1904
Dr. Ambedkar entered the Elphinstone High School at Bombay.
1906
Dr. Ambedkar married to Ramabai d/o Mr. Bhik Walangkar, one of the relations of
Mr. Gopal Baba Walangkar.
1907
Dr. Ambedkar passed his Matriculation Examination, scoring 382 marks out of
750.
-1-1908
Dr.
Ambedkar was honoured in a meeting presided over by Shri S. K. Bole, Shri K. A.
(Dada) Keluskar Guruji who presented a Book on the ‘Life of Gautam Buddha’
written by him. Dr. Ambedkar entered the
Elphinstone College,
Bombay.
-12-1912
A son Yeshwant was born to Dr. Ambedkar. and his wife Mrs. Ramabai.
1913
Dr. Ambedkar passed his B. A. Examination with Persian and English from the University of Bombay, scoring 449 marks out of 1000.
-2-1913
Dr.
Ambedkar’s father Subhedar Ramji Maloji Ambedkar died at Bombay.
-7-1913
Dr. Ambedkar became a Gaikwar’s Scholar in the Columbia University, New York,
after reading in the Faculty of Political Science.
5-6-1915
Dr. Ambedkar passed his M. A. Examination, majoring in Economics and with
Sociology, History, Philosophy, Anthropology and Politics as the other Subjects
of Study.
-5-1916
Dr.
Ambedkar read a Paper on “The Castes in India’ before Prof.
Goldenweiser’s Anthropology
Seminar. The Paper was later published
in “The Indian Antiguary” in May 1917.
It was also republished in the form of brochure, the first published
work of Dr. Ambedkar. Dr. Ambedkar wrote a Thesis entitled “The National
Divident of India – A Historical and Analytical Study” for the Ph. D. Degree.
-6-1916
Dr.
Ambedkar left Columbia University after completing work for the Ph. D., to
join the London School of Economics and Political Science, London as a Graduate Student.
1916
Mr. Mohanlal Karamchand Gandhi returned to India
from South Africa.
1917
Columbia University conferred a Degree of Ph. D.
on Dr. Ambedkar.
-6-1917
Dr.
Ambedkar returned to India
after spending an year in London
working on the Thesis for the M. Sc (Econ.) Degree. His return before
completion of the work was necessitated by the termination of the Scholarship
granted by the Baroda
State.
-7-1917
Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as Military Secretary to His Highness the Maharaja
of Gaikwar of Baroda with a view to appoint him as a Finance Minister, but he
left shortly due to ill-treatment meted out to him because of his lowly
caste. Dr. Ambedkar published a book on
‘Small Holdings in India
and their Remedies”.
-1917
Dr. Ambedkar obtained LL.D. from Columbia
University for his thesis
“National Dividend of India”.
1918
Dr.
Ambedkar gave evidence before the Southborough Commission on Franchise. He attended the Conference of the Depressed
Classes held at Nagpur.
-11-1918
Dr. Ambedkar was the Professor of Political Economy in the Sydenham College of
Commerce and Economics, Bombay.
31-01-1920
Dr.
Ambedkar started a Marathi Weekly Paper “Mooknayak’ to champion the cause of
the Depressed Classes. Shri Nandram Bhatkar was the Editor, later Shri Dyandar Gholap became the Editor.
1914-1919
Period of First World War.
1920
Dr. Ambedkar started Kranti at the age of 25.
23-3-1920
Dr. Ambedkar attended the Depressed Classes Conference held under the
presidency of Chhatrapathi Sahuji Maharaj at Kolhapur. Chhatrapathi Sahuji Maharaj of Kolhapur addressed the
gathering of Untouchables and said “ You have found your Saviour in Ambedkar. I
am confident that he will break your shackles. Not only that, a time will come
when, so whispers my conscience, he will shine as a Front Rank Leader of all India
fame and appeal.”
-3-1920
Dr.
Ambedkar resigned Professorship at Sydenham
College to resume his studies in London.
-5-1920
Dr.
Ambedkar gave a memorable Speech in Nagpur,
criticizing Karmaveer Shinde and Depressed Classes Mission.
Dr. Ambedkar described Mahatma Jyotiba Phule as “the greatest Shudra of Modern
India. The lower Classes of Hindus are conscious of their slavery to the higher
Classes and those who preach Gospel for India,
Social Democracy was more vital than Independence
from foreign Rule.
-9-1920
Dr. Ambedkar rejoined the London School of Economics. He also entered Gray’s Inn to read for the Bar.
-6-1921
The Thesis “Provincial Decentralization of Imperial Finance in British India” was
accepted for Dr. Ambedkar’s M. Sc. (Econ.)
Degree by the London
University”.
1922-23
Dr.
Ambedkar spent some time in reading Economics in the University
of Bonn in Germany.
-3-1923
The Thesis “The Problem of the Rupee - Its Origin and its Solution” of Dr.
Ambedkar was accepted for Degree of D. Sc. (Econ.) The Thesis was published in December 1923 by
P. S. King & Co., London.
Reissued by Thackar & Co., Bombay in May 1947 under the title “History of
Indian Currency and Banking Vol. I’ .
1923
Dr.
Ambedkar was called to the Bar.
-4-1924
Dr.
Ambedkar returned to India.
-6-1924
Dr. Ambedkar started Practice of Law in the Bombay High Court.
20-7-1924
Dr. Ambedkar founded “BAHISHKRIT HITKARINI SABHA” for the uplift of the
Depressed Classes. The aims of the Sabha
were to educate, organize and agitate for their Right to Equality and
Individual Dignity.
1925
Dr.
Ambedkar published “The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India” – Dissertation
on the Provincial Decentralization of Imperial Finance in India.
1925
Dr.
Ambedkar opened a Hostel for Untouchable Students in Barshi.
1926
Dr.
Ambedkar gave evidence before the Royal Commission on Indian Currency (Hilton
Young Commission).
1926
Dr. Ambedkar was nominated as a Member of the Bombay Legislative Council.
20-3-1927
Dr. Ambedkar started Satyagraha at Mahad, Dist. Kolaba, Maharashtra,
to secure to the Untouchables the Right
of Access to the Chavdar Tank.
3-4-1927
Dr.
Ambedkar started a Fortnightly Marathi Paper “Bahiskrit Bharat” of which he himself was the Editor.
-9-1927
Dr. Ambedkar established “Samaj Samata Sangh”.
-12-1927
Dr.
Ambedkar attended Second Conference at Mahad.
18-1-1928
Dr.
Ambedkar presided over the meeting convened by Depressed Classes at Trymbak,
near Nasik, to
consider proposal for building a temple in the name of their great Saint
Chokhamela. Dr. Ambedkar was more of a utilitarian than an idol worshipper and
his view was of Saint Poets of Maharashtra (1300-1600) belonging to Bhagavat
Dharma did not preach directly against Caste System which stood for the
denigration of one Caste over others, for social inequality and society
injustice, as the Brahmins accepted the superiority of the devotee irrespective
of Caste. According to Ramdas, even a
fallen Brahmin was superior to men of other Castes in Heaven and on Earth; nay,
a Brahmin was one to whom even the Gods made an obeisance. Dr. Ambedkar,
therefore, said that the Brahmins turned a blind eye to their message of
Equality, Justice and Humanitarianism and they described their incredible
miracles with utmost exaggeration.
-3-1928
Dr. Ambedkar introduced the “Vatan Bill” in the Bombay Legislative Council.
-5-1928
Dr. Ambedkar gave
evidence before the Indian Statutory Committee (Simon Commission).
-6-1928
Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as Professor in Govt.
Law College,
Bombay and thereafter, as Principal, Government Law
College, Bombay..
13-4-1929
Dr.
Ambedkar attended at Chiplun the Second Session of Ratnagiri District
Bahishkrit Parishad under the auspices of the Bharatiya Bahishkrit Samaj Sewak
Sangh and said that it is out of hard
and ceaseless struggle alone that one derives strength, confidence and
recognition in life. You must abolish your slavery yourselves. Self respect is a most vital factor in life.
Without it man is a mere cipher. It is
disgraceful to live at the cost of one’s self respect. Man is mortal. Every one is to die some day or other. But
one must resolve to lay down one’s life in enriching the noble ideals of self
respect and bettering human life. We are
not slaves. WE ARE A WARRIOR CLAN.
Nothing is more disgraceful for a brave man than to live a life devoid of self
respect and without love the Country.
At the cordial invitation of
Vinayakrao Barve, Dr. Ambedkar attended inter-caste dinner not because one
attained Salvation when one dined in company with Brahmins but because such
dinners smoothen social intercourse and fostered the principle of EQUALITY.
14-4-1929
At
the Ratnagiri District Agriculturists’ Conference at Chiplun, Dr. Ambedkar said
that he had now come to believe that the purpose of Life was to struggle for
the welfare of the downtrodden. He said
that he came from a poor family and had lived among the poor in an Improvement
Trust Chawl in Bombay. He was sure for abolition of Khoti Land Tenure
and asked people to take particular care to send to the Legislatures the right
type of men as their Representatives who would devoutly struggle for the
abolition. India is likely to attain full
control of its destinies in the coming four or five years.
1928-29
Dr. Ambedkar was a Member, Bombay Presidency Committee of the Simon Committee.
-3-1930
Dr. Ambedkar started Satyagraha at Kalram
Temple, Nasik
to secure for the Untouchables, the Right of Entry into the Temple.
1930-1932
Dr. Ambedkar was the Delegate in the Round Table Conference held in London, representing the
Untouchables of India.
25-9-1932
Dr. Ambedkar signed with Mahatma Gandhi the Poona Pact, giving up his stand, so
as to save Mr. Gandhi’s life, of
Separate Electorates granted to the Depressed Classes by Ramsay MacDonald’s
Communal Award and accepting, instead Representation through Joint Electorates.
1932-34
Dr. Ambedkar was a Member in the Joint Parliamentary Committee in the Indian
Constitutional Reform
1932
Dr. Ambedkar. left the Panel Meeting held at Damodar Hall, and came to stay in
“Rajagriha”, Dadar, Bombay
in order to get more accommodation for his Library Books which were increasing
day by day.
26-5-1935
Mrs.
Ramabai Ambedkar wife of Dr. Ambedkar died.
-6-1935
Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as Principal of the Government
Law College,
Bombay. He was
also appointed Perry Professor of ‘Jurisprudence’.
13-10-1935
Historical Yeola Conversion Conference held under the Presidentship of Dr. Ambedkar
at Yeola, Dist. Nasik.
He exhorted the Depressed Classes to leave Hinduism and embrace any another
Religion, such as Buddhism or Christianity for
self respect because of the pernicious Caste System prevalent in
Hinduism. He declared, “Unfortunately, I was born as a Hindu but I will not die
as a Hindu”. He also advised his followers to abandon the Kalram Mandi Entry
Satyagriha at Nasik.
-12-1935
Dr. Ambedkar.was invited by Jat Pat Todak Mandal of Lahore to preside over the
Conference. He prepared his Historical Speech “THE ANNIHILATION OF CASTE”. The
Conference was cancelled by the Mandal on the ground that Dr. Ambedkar’s Thoughts
were revolutionary. Finally, Dr. Ambedkar refused to preside and published his
Speech in a Book Form in 1937.
12/13-1-1936
The
Depressed Classes Conference was held at Pune. Dr. Ambedkar reiterated his
resolve of the Yeola Conference to leave Hinduism. The Conference was presided over by Rav
Bahadur N. Shina Raj.
29-2-1936
Dr.
Ambedkar’s Conversion Resolution was supported by Chambars (Cobblers) of East Khandesh.
30-5-1936
Bombay
Presidency Conversion Conference (Mumbai Elaka Mahar Panshad) of Mahars was
held at Naigaum (Dadar) to sound their Opinion on the issue of conversion. Mr. Subha Rao popularly known as Hydrabadi
Ambedkar presided over the Conference.
In the morning the Ascetics shaved their beards, moustaches and
destroyed their symbols of Hinduism in an Ascetic’s Conference.
15-6-1936
Conference
of Devadasis was held in Bombay
to support Dr. Ambedkar’s Resolution of conversion.
18-3-1936
Dr.
Ambedkar Dr. Moonje talks on conversion
and to propogate Sikhism.
23-6-1936
Matang
Parishad in support of conversion.
-8-1936
Dr.
Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party, a Strong Opposition Party in Bombay’s Legislative
Council.
18-9-1936
Dr.
Ambedkar sent a Telegram of 13 Members to the Golden Temple,
Amritzar to study Sikhism.
11-11-1936
Dr.
Ambedkar left for Geneva and London.
1934-1942
Period of Second World War.
29-2-1942
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Conversion Resolution was supported by Chambers
(Cobblers) of East Khandesh.
30-5-1936
Bombay Presidency Conversion Conference (Mumbai Elaka Mahar Panshad) of Mahars
was held at Naigaum (Dadar) to sound their opinion on the issue of conversion.
Mr. Subha Rao popularly known as Hydrabadi Ambedkar presided over the
Conference. In the morning the Ascetics shaved their beards, moustaches and
destroyed their symbolds of Hinduism in an Ascetic’s Conference.
15-6-1936
Conference of Devadasis was held in Bombay
to support Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar ‘s Resolution of Conversion.
23-6-1936
Matang Parishad in support of Conversion.
15-8-1936
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar founded The Independent Labour Party.
11-11-1936
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar left for Geneva and London.
1937
Dr.
Ambedkar organized the Municipal Workers’ Union in Bombay.
17-2-1937
The First General Elections were held under the Government of India Act, 1935.
Dr. Ambedkar was elected Member of Bombay Legislative Assembly
(Total Seats 175. Reserved Seats 15. Dr.
Ambedkar’s Independent Labour Party won 17 Seats).
In1937
In most places, Musalman won in the Elections, so Hindus thought whether they
will get any chance to rule
17-3-1937
The Mahad Chowdar Tank Case was decided in favour of Depressed Classes by which
they got a Legal Right to use the Public Wells and Tanks.
31-7-1937
Dr.
Ambedkar received a grand Reception at Chalisgaon Railway Station.
17-9-1937
Dr.
Ambedkar introduced his Bill to abolish the Mahar Watan in the Assembly.
31-12-1937
Dr.
Ambedkar was given a reception at Pandharpur on the way to Sholapur where he was going to preside over
the Sholapur District Depressed Classes Conference.
4-1-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar was given a reception given at the Sholapur Municipal Council.
-1-1938
The Congress Party introduced a Bill making a change in the name of
Untouchables i. e. they would be called “Harijans” meaning Sons of God. Dr.
Ambedkar criticized the Bill as in his opinion the change of name would make no
real change in their conditions. He and Bhaurav Gaikwad protested against use
of term Harijans in legal matters. When the ruling party by sheer force of
numbers defeated the ILP which group walked out of the Assembly in protest
under his Leadership. Dr. Ambedkar organized Peasants’ March on to Bombay
Assembly. The Peasants demanded the passing of Dr. Ambedkar’s Bill for
abolition of Khoti System.
23-1-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed Peasants’ Conference at Ahmedabad.
12/13-2-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed a Historical Conference of Railway Workers at Manmad, Nashik
District.
-4-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar opposed creation of a separate Karnataka State
in national interest.
-5-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar resigned from the Principal-ship of Government
Law College,
Churchgate, Bombay.
13/21-5-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar went on tour to Konkan Region.
He also went to Nagpur
in connection with a Court Case.
-8-1938
A meeting was held at R. M. Bhat High School, Bombay
for exposing Gandhiji’s attitude in disallowing a Depressed Class Man being
taken into Central Ministry.
-9-1938
Dr. Ambedkar spoke on Industrial Disputes’ Bill in the Bombay Assembly. He
bitterly opposed it for its attempt to outlaw the Right of Workers to strike.
He said if Congressmen believe that Swaraj is their birthright, then the Right
to strike is the birthright of the Workers.
1-10-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed a large gathering at Bawala near Ahmedabad. On return, he
addressed another meeting at Premabai Hall at Ahmedabad.
6-11-1938
The
Industrial Workers Strike took place. Dr. Ambedkar took out a procession of
workers with other Leaders from Kamgar Maidan to Jambori Maidan, Worli.
10-11-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar moved a Resolution for adoption of the methods for Birth Control in
the Bombay Assembly.
-12-1938
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed first Depressed Classes Conference in Nizam’s Dominion at
Mahad.
18-1-1939
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed a large gathering at Rajkot.
19-1-1939
Dr.
Ambedkar –Gandhi talk took place.
29-1-1939
Kale Memorial Lecture of Gokhale School of Politics and Economics, Pune,
reviewing critically the All India Federation Scheme set out in the Govt. of
India Act, 1935. The speech was issued in March 1939 as a tract for the times
under the title “Federation v/s. Freedom.”
-7-1939
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed a meeting organized by Rohidas Vidya Committee.
-10-1939
Dr. Ambedkar and Nehru first meeting took place.
-12-1939
Conference
at Haregaon presided by Dr. Ambedkar to
voice the grievances of Mahar and Mahar Watandass.
-5-1940
Dr. Ambedkar founded the “Mahar Panchayat”.
22-7-1940
Netaji Subash Chandra Bose met Dr. Ambedkar in Bombay.
-12-1940
Dr. Ambedkar published his book “THOUGHTS ON PAKISTAN”. The second edition with
title “PAKISTAN OR PARTITION OF INDIA” was issued in February 1945. A third
impression of the book was published in 1946 under the title “INDIA’S
POLITICAL, WHAT IS WHAT: PAKISTAN OR PARTITION OF INDIA.”
-1-1941
Dr. Ambedkar pursued issue of recruitment of Mahars in the Army. In the result,
the Mahars Battalion was formed
25-4-1941
Dr. Ambedkar formed Mahar Dynast Panchayat Samiti.
-7-1941
Dr. Ambedkar was appointed to sit on the Defence Advisory Committee.
-8-1941
Conference
held at Sinnar to protest tax on Mahar Watams. Dr. Ambedkar launched no tax
campaign . He saw the Governor. Finally, the tax was abolished. The Mumbai Elaka Conferences of Mahars,
Matangs and Devadasis were organized under him.
-4-1942
Dr. Ambedkar founded the ALL INDIA
SCHEDULED CASTES’ FEDERATION in Nagpur.
18-7-1942
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed All India Depressed Classes’ Conference at Nagpur.
1934-1942
Period of Second World War.
20-7-1942
Dr. Ambedkar joined Viceroy’s Executive Council as a Labour Minister.
-12-1942
Dr.
Ambedkar submitted a Paper on “The Problems of the Untouchables in India” to the Institute
of Pacific Relations at its Conference
held in Canada.
The Paper is printed in the proceedings of the Conference. The Paper was subsequently published in
December 1943 in the Book Form under the Title “Mr. Gandhi and Emancipation of
Untouchables”.
19-1-1943
Dr.
Ambedkar delivered a Presidential Address on the occasion of 101st
British Anniversary of Justice Mahadar Govind Ranade. It was published in Book Form in 1943 under
the Title “Ranade, Gandhi & Jinna”.
-1943
As Labour Minister under British, Dr. Ambedkar started 8% reservation to SCs,
STs. Article 340 was incorporated in the Indian Constitution under which 15%
reservation to SCs and 7.5% reservation to STs given. Mahatma Gandhi meant “Reservation is only for
gaining Independence
and not in the Assets of the country.
1944
Dr.
Ambedkar founded “The Building Trust and SC Improvement Trust”.
6-5-1944
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed annual Conference of All India SC Federation at Parel. The Speech was later published under the
Title “The Communal Deadlock and a Way to Solve it”.
-6-1944
Dr.
Ambedkar published his Book “What Congress and Gandhi have done to
Untouchables” – complete Compendium of Information regarding the movement of
the Untouchables for political safeguards.
He attended the Simla Conference.
-7-1944
Dr.
Ambedkar founded “People’s Education Society” in Bombay.
1946
Dr.
Ambedkar gave evidence before British Delegation.
-4-1946
Dr.
Ambedkar opened Siddharth College of Arts and Science in Bombay.
-5-1946
The
Bharat Bhushan Printing Press founded by Dr. Ambedkar was burnt down in the
clashes between Depressed Classes and Caste Hindus.
20-6-1946
Dr.
Ambedkar started Siddharth College of Law at D. N. Road, Fort, Bombay.
-9-1946
Dr.
Ambedkar went to London to urge before British Government and Opposition Party
the need to provide safeguards to Depressed Classes on grant of Independence to
India and thus to rectify wrongs done Depressed Classes by Cabinet Mission.
-1946
Crisp Mission came to India. Earlier Simon Commission was
sent to India to conduct a Survey the Socio-Economic Positions of various Communities
in India, but Mahatma Gandhi did not allow Simon Commission to conduct the Survey
by agitating - “Simon Commission go back”.
13-10-1946
Dr.
Ambedkar published his Book “ Who were Shudras ?” – an Inquiry into how Shudras
came to be the 4th Varna
in the Indo-Aryan Society.
Dr.
Ambedkar was elected a Member of the Constituent Assembly of India.
-11-1946
Dr.
Ambedkar first spoke in the Constituent Assembly. He called for ‘a Strong and United India’.
-3-1947
Dr.
Ambedkar published his Book called “STATES AND MINORITIES”. A Memorandum of
Fundamental Rights, Minorities Rights, Safeguards for the Depressed Classes and
on the problems of Indian States.
15-3-1947
Mr. Mahatma Gandhi submitted to the Constituent Assembly a Book titled “STATES
AND MINORITIES” written by Dr. Ambedkar.
15-3-1947
Dr. Ambedkar was elected from Faridkot in Pakistan and spoke to the Assembly.
He was also elected from Jassur, Kurla in East Bengal
where 85% were Hindus. So Congress gave West Bengal portion i. e. East Bengal
to Pakistan.
Dr. Ambedkar, therefore, said, “I will not make Constitution for Pakistan because my people are in India”. So
after vacating of Jaykar from Pune, Dr. Ambedkar went to the Constituent
Assembly.
29-4-1947
Article
17 for Abolition of Untouchability was moved by Sardar Vallabhai Patel in the
Constituent Assembly and it was passed.
In1947
Settlement reached between Dr. Ambedkar and Mr. Gandhi pursuant to which Dr.
Ambedkar became Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee.
15-8-1947
India obtained her Independence from the British.
Thantai Periyar who was one of the staunch followers of Dr. Ambedkar from the
South India described Independence
as a Transfer of Power from the White people to the Black people.
Dr.
Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly by the Bombay Legislature Congress Party. He
joined Nehru’s Cabinet. He became the first Law Minister of Independent
India. The Constituent Assembly
appointed him to the Drafting Committee which elected him as Chairman on
29-8-1947.
-2-1948.
Dr.
Ambedkar completed the Draft Constitution of Indian Republic.
15-4-1948
Dr.
Ambedkar married Dr. Sharda Kabir in Delhi. After the marriage, her maiden name was
changed into and she was called as “Savita Ambedkar”. This is an inter-caste marriage as She was born as a caste Brahmin.
-10-1948
Dr.
Ambedkar published his Book “The Untouchables” – A Thesis on the Origin of
Untouchability. He submitted his
Memorandum “ Maharashtra as a Linguistic
Province” to the Dhar
Commission – The Linguistic Provinces Commission.
4-10-1948
Dr.
Ambedkar presented the Draft Constitution to the Constituent Assembly, incorporating
therein enough provisions to transform India into a CASTELESS, CLASSLESS, EQUALITARIAN
SOCIETY (SAMTAMULAK SAMAJ VYAVASTHA) for “SARVJAN HITAY – SARVJAN SUKHAI”.
.
20-11-1948
The
Constituent Assembly adopted Article 17 of the Constitution for abolition of
Untouchability.
-1-1949
Dr.
Ambedkar as Law Minister of India
visited Hyderabad (Deccan).
15-1-1949
Dr.
Ambedkar was presented with a Purse at Manmad by his Admirers. He addressed a gathering there.
21-1-1949
Dr.
Ambedkar stayed at Aurangabad
regarding opening of a proposed College. During the stay, he visited Ajanta-Ellora Caves.
-3/5-1949
Dr.
Ambedkar visited Bombay
for College work and for a Medical Check up.
-9-1949
Meeting
took place between Dr. Ambedkar and Madhavrao Golvalkar, Chief of RSS, at the
residence of Dr. Ambedkar at Delhi.
-11-1949
Dr.
Ambedkar again came to Bombay
for College work meeting and Medical Check up.
26-11-1949
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar addressed the Constituent Assembly and the Constituent
Assembly adopted the Constitution. He, thereafter, came to Bombay
for a Medical Check up.
11-1-1950
Dr.
Ambedkar addressed Siddharth College Parliament on Hindu Code Bill. In the
evening, he was presented with a Silver Casket containing a copy of Indian
Constitution at Nare Park Maidan, Bombay.
26-1-1950
The Constitution of India which contains the Fundamental Right to Equality
guaranteed to all its citizens irrespective of caste, creed (religious
philosophy), sex, place of birth, etc. –
Social, Economic and Political, came into force. As a result, ALL THE PREVIOUS
LAWS, ENACTMENTS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS, CUSTOMS, USAGES AND
PRACTICES WHICH WERE PREVAILING PRIOR TO 26-11-1950 AND WHICH ARE CONTRARY TO
OR INCONSISTENT WITH OR IN DEROGATION OF THE WELFARE AND FUNDAMENTAL PROVISIONS
OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION, BECAME NULL AND VOID, NOT JUSTICEABLE, AND ARE OF
NO LEGAL EFFECT WHATSOEVER AND HOWSOEVER.
-5-1950
Dr.
Ambedkar’s book “Buddha and the Future of his Religion’ was published in the
Journal of Mahabodhi Society, Calcutta.
He addressed Young Men’s Buddhist Association on “THE RISE AND FALL OF HINDU
WOMEN”.
1-9-1950
The
First President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad laid foundation stone of
Mahavidyalaya, Aurgangabad.
-12-1950
Dr.
Ambedkar went to Columbo.
5-2-1951
As Law Minister, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar introduced Hindu Code Bill, giving
equal rights to women in property. .
15-4-1951
Dr.
Ambedkar laid foundation stone of “Dr. Ambedkar Bhavan” at Delhi.
-7-1951
Dr.
Ambedkar founded “The Bharatiya Buddha Jansangh”.
-9-1951
Dr.
Ambedkar compiled Buddha Prayer.
9-9-1951
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar resigned from Nehru Cabinet because Nehru announced that
he will sink or swim with Hindu Code Bill.
19-9-1951
Marriage
and Divorce Bill was discussed in Parliament.
11-10-1951
Dr.
Ambedkar left Cabinet.
-1-1952
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar fought the first Lok Sabha Elections but was defeated by
Congress Party Candidate, N. S. Kajrolkar.
-3-1952
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was introduced in Parliament as a Member in the Council
(Rajya Sabha) States, representing Bombay.
1-6-1952
Dr.
Ambedkar left for New York.
15-6-1952
Columbia
University (USA) conferred the Honorary Degree of LL.D. in its Bi-Centennial
Celebrations Special Convocation held in New
York.
16-6-1952
Dr.
Ambedkar returned to Bombay.
22-12-1952
Dr.
Ambedkar spoke at Pune Bar on “CONDITION PRECEDENT FOR SUCCESSFUL WORKING OF
DEMOCRACY”.
12-1-1953
The
Osmania University conferred the Honorary Degree
of LL.D. on Dr. Ambedkar.
-4-1953
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar contested By-election from Bhandara Lok Sabha
Constituency with the Symbol “ELEPHANT” but was defeated by Congress Party
Candidate, Mr. Haribhau Borkar.
-5-1953
Dr.
Ambedkar opened Siddharth
College of Commerce &
Economics.
-6-1953
Maharaja
of Mysore
donated 5 Acres of Land.
3-10-1954
Dr.
Ambedkar broadcast his Talk on “My Personal Philosophy”.
3-4-1955
Dr.
Ambedkar delivered a Speech “Why Religion is Necessary ?”.
-8-1955
Dr.
Ambedkar founded “Mumbai Rajya Kanishtha Garkamgari Association”.
27-12-1955
Dr.
Ambedkar spoke against “Reservation of Seats in the State and Central
Legislatures”.
14-10-1956
Dr. Ambedkar changed his Religion and embraced Buddhism at Nagpur with about 5 lakh disciples for their
emancipation.
6-12-1956
Dr. Ambedkar attained his Maha Nirvana at his residence at 26 Alipore Road, New Delhi.
Thus, Dr. Ambedkar lived his Life to the
Full and completed his Life’s Mission
on Earth for others.
7-12-1956
The
mortal remains of Dr. Ambedkar was cremated at Dadar, Chowpatti – now known as
“Chaitya Bhoomi” at Dadar, Mumbai. On 6th
of December, every year, lakhs of people
all the way from Villages in Maharashtra come
to pay homage to their departed Leader at this place.
3. Before his demise, Dr. Ambedkar’s last Message was – “Tell my people, whatever I
have done, I have been able to do after passing through crushing miseries and
endless problems”. According to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, M.A., Ph.D., D.Sc.,
LL.D. (Columbia), D.Litt., (Osmania), Barrister-at-Law, a multi faceted
personality, a Scholar, Researcher, an Agitator for and Emancipator and Valiant
Fighter for the Poor and Deprived and Women, a Crusader against the Caste System
in India, an elder Statesman and an Indian National Leader, a Fearless
Journalist, and a Reformer of rare caliber, an Economist and Contributor,
substantially to the formulation of Post War Economic Development Plan in
general and Water Resources and Electric Power Plan Development, “RESERVATION
IS NOT BEGGING BUT A HUMAN RIGHT”.
5. To achieve the goals of the
Constitution and to transform India
into a Casteless, Classless Equalitarian Society (Samtamulak Samaj Vyavastha),
he suggested Progressive Taxation, that is to say –
(a)
Personal
Taxation should be based on taxable capacity of an individual;
and
(b)
The tax rates
should be progressive, meaning the rich should be taxed more and the poor less.
6. Dr. Ambedkar’s dream was to evenly
raise the civil, social, educational, economic and political level of about 85%
majority Bahujan Mulnivasi Aboriginal Lower Class Citizens of India,
particularly the poorest of the poor among them, on part with the others of
about 15% Upper Class minority population of India.
7. In Politics, as in other walks of life,
the victory is always to the stronger.
The hard fact of Indian Society is that the strings of political power
is in the hands of the ambitious members of the Upper Strata of Indian Society
drawn from the high placed, well educated and opulent Castes i. e. in the hands
of the aristocracy of wealth, education and superior social standing. The aristocracy has the resources derived
from wealth and education. This is not a
mean advantage. The members of the said about 85% majority and weaker
Communities are required to struggle for
their share of political power. The kinship (dynasty) effect of these factors also
put a formidable disadvantage to the said majority in securing their rightful
share and often shut them out of political power. Again those who come to
vote-taking, do not put off from them, like change of old clothes, their
outlook, their interests, and their opinions and become open minded. These persons also cannot manage affairs of a
country justly.
8. From COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RELIGION, Dr.
Ambedkar would say that Two Personalities could captivate him. They are
“CHRIST” and “BUDDHA”. This he states in
Chapter-39, (CHRISTIANS LAGGED BEHIND POLITICALLY), of one of the 27 Volumes, viz. Volume-17,
Part Three, of his WRITINGS AND SPEECHES, published by Source Material
Publication Committee, Higher Education Department, Government of Maharashtra,
First Edition dated 04th October 2003. He wanted a Religion which instructed people
how they should behave with one another and prescribed for man his duty to
another and relation with God in the light of EQUALITY, FRATERNITY AND LIBERTY.
Xxx If Mahar boys become Christians, they loose their Scholarships. Thus, there is no Economic Gain in their
being Christians. Moreover, the Indian
Christians, he remarked, as a Community
never fought for the removal of Social in-Justice.
9. Even after experimenting with the slogan of ‘Tryst with
destiny’ of Indian Democracy for the last over 65 years’ of rule, after
independence, 30% of Christians live economically below poverty line and
members of Upper Class of the same Christian Community could not and cannot do
anything because of their active involvement in Religious Dogmatism. The poorer
Christians are stated to live with an average of Rs.20/- per day. It is said
that Christians of all about 75 Denominations in India account for a mere 2.36% of
the total population. Often they land up in menial jobs for want of Reservation
in Education and Employment under the State. Christians as a Community lag far
behind in Politics and do not take interest in safeguarding their Equal Political
Rights and Freedom. It is said that more than a population of 83 Crores, out of
1.25 billion population in India,
live with the same average means of money daily. The Upper Class Christians
simply remain in centuries’ old Feudal Dark days of like Italy, Spain and some
other Countries where the Inquisition stifled free thinking and scientific
temper and progress, growth and Industrial Development, thereby creating scope
for unemployment and remaining in poverty, as compared to the Industrialized
Nations like England, France and some other European Countries. All scientific
ideas which were not consistent with the Bible verses were regarded as crimes
e.g. the theory of Copernicus which stated that the Earth moved around the Sun
and not the Sun around the Earth. The Church persecuted the greatest Scientists
with blind cruelty, burning them at the stake (e.g. Bruno) torturing them (e.g.
Galileo), and forbidding or destroying their works. As recently as in 1925, the
teaching of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was
forbidden in the State of Tennessee in USA
and a teacher John Scopes was tried in the famous ‘Monkey Trial’ for teaching
that theory. For centuries the Church in Europe
played an extremely reactionary role and fought pitilessly against the
scientific conception of the World and against the Democratic Movements.
10. Dr. Ambedkar has been honoured with Bharat-Ratna, India’s highest civilian Award
given for the highest degree of national service. He fought against system of
invaders of the great Prabhudh Bharat, Untouchability, Unapproachability and
the Indian Caste System. He published Journals, advocating political rights and
social freedom for India’s
untouchables. He was a Socio-Political Reformer. He was the first person to
take English Education, first Law Minister, because of his profound understanding
of India’s History and meticulous
Research into India’s
ancient democratic traditions that India today is a Democratic
Republic with one of fairest and most equitable Constitutions of the World. He
passionately believed in the freedom of the Individual and criticized equally
orthodox casteist Hindu Society and exclusivism and narrow doctrinare positions
in Islam.
11. Dr. Ambedkar criticized the
Indian National Congress and its Leader Mahatma Gandhi, whom he accused of
reducing the untouchable Community to a figure of pathos. He was also
dissatisfied with the failures of British rule, and advocated a political
identity for untouchables separate from both the Congress and British. At a
Depressed Class Conference on August 8, 1930 Dr. Ambedkar outlined his
political vision, insisting that the safety of the Depressed Classes hinged on
their being independent of the Govt. and the Congress both.
12. Dr. Ambedkar was of the view
that we must shape our course ourselves and by ourselves xxxxx. Political power
cannot be a panacea for the ills of the Depressed Classes. Their salvation lies
in their social elevation. They must cleanse their evil habits. They must
improve their bad ways of living xxxx. They must be educated xxxxxx. There is a
great necessity to disturb their pathetic contentment and to instill into them
that divine discontent which is the spring of all elevation.
13. Dr. Ambedkar was invited to
attend the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931. Here, he sparred verbally
with Gandhiji on the question of awarding Separate Electorates to untouchables.
A fierce opponent of Separate Electorates on Religious and Sectarian lines,
Gandhiji feared that Separate Electorates for untouchables would divide Hindu
Society for future generations.
14.
When British agreed with Dr. Ambedkar and announced awarding of Separate
Electorates, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast unto-death, while imprisoned in the
Yeravada Central Jail of Pune in 1932. Exhorting orthodox Hindu Society to
eliminate Discrimination and Untouchability, Gandiji asked for the political
and social unity of Hindus. Gandhi’s fast provoked great public support across India and
orthodox Hindu Leaders, Congress Politicians and Activists such as Madan Mohan
Malaviya and Pawlankar Baloo organized joint meetings with Dr. Ambedkar and his
supporters at Yeravada. Fearing a communal reprisal and killings of Untouchables
in the event of Gandhi’s death, Dr. Ambedkar agreed under massive coercion from
the supporters of Gandhi to drop the demand for Separate Electorates and
settled for Reservation of Seats. Dr. Ambedkar was later to criticize this fast
of Gandhi’s as gimmick to deny Political Rights to the Untouchables and the increased
coercion he had faced to give up the demand for Separate Electorates.
15. Who were Shudras ? Dr. Ambedkar attempted to
explain the formation of the Shudras i. e. the lowest Caste in hierarchy of
Hindu Caste System. He also emphasized how Shudras are separate from Untouchables.
Hindu civilization xxxxx is a diapolitical contrivance to suppress and enslave
humanity. Its proper name would be infamy. What else can be said of a
Civilization which has produced a mass of people xxxxx who are treated as an entity
beyond human intercourse and whose mere touch is enough to cause pollution ?
16. Dr. Ambedkar criticized Child
Marriage in Muslim Society and mistreatment of women by Islam. He condemned Caste
practices carried out by Muslims in South Asia.
He was critical of slavery in Muslim Communities. Evils of polygamy and
concubinage as a source of misery to Muslim women. Every one wants that Islam
must be free from slavery and caste. While slavery existed, much of its support
was derived from Islam and Islamic Countries. While the prescriptions by the
Prophet regarding the just and human treatment of slaves contained in the Koran
are praiseworthy, there is nothing whatever in Islam that lends support to the
abolition of this curse. Even if slavery has gone, Caste among Musalmans (Muslims)
has remained. Muslim Society is even more full of social evils than Hindu
Society is and criticized Muslims for sugarcoating their sectarian Caste system
with euphemisms like “brotherhood”. Arzal Classes are treated as degraded and
oppression of Muslim women society through the oppressive purdah system. While
purdah was practiced by Hindus, it was sanctioned by Religion in Islam. He
criticized their fanaticism regarding Islam on the grounds that their
literalist interpretations of Islamic Doctrine made their Society very rigid
and impermeable to change. Indian Muslims have failed to reform their Society
unlike Muslims in other countries like Turkey.
17. Both the groups of Hindus and
Muslims in a Communal malaise, ignore the urgent claims of Social and Economic
Justice.
18. “Waiting for a Visa” (of 1935-36)
and “Autobiographical work” “UNTOUCHABLES” OR CHILDREN OF “INDIA’S GHETTO” referring to 1951
Census, are amongst other writings of Dr. Ambedkar.
19 While Mahatma Gandhi seems to have preferred
Village life, Dr. Ambedkar encouraged migration to Cities, sharing of food,
inter-caste marriages. However, practice of marriage within the same Caste and
voting along Caste lines remain even today.
20. Due to the parasites of Corruption,
Favoritism and Nepotism, ever-growing Population, Practices of Child Labour due
to acute poverty and continued Economic Injustice, Hunger and Starvation
Deaths, Adult Unemployment, Child Marriages, Discreet forms of Discrimination,
Ignorance, Superstition, Blind Faith imposed by Religious dogmas without any
scientific inquiry and hard-work, Casteism even within the Economically Oppressed
Classes themselves, such as, Discrimination against the “Bhangi’ under-Castes
by the Dalits, Non-implementation or Faulty implementation of the Fundamental
and Mandatory provisions of the Constitution for achieving its purpose and
goal, Concentration of Wealth and Economic Resources of the country in a
selected few hands, etc., India still remains a Backward Economy. Reservation
in India
has failed to reach the affected 85% majority Bahujan Samaj Population of the
Indian National Society. So, Economically poorest of the poor people amongst
the Reserved Categories of the Indian National Society are disenchanted with
the so-called affirmative actions and their lop-sided implementations because
their Castes, Classes or Communities are not among the selected few.
Reservation has benefited the Creamy Layer or Upper Classes of the favoured
Castes, Classes and Communities only. This has given rise to 2006 OBC Ruling by
the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. For the suffering millions of the Indian
National Society, the British were more even-handed between the so-called
Castes, Classes or Communities and that continuance of British rule would have
helped to eradicate many an evil and inhuman practices from the Society by a
proper implementation of Democracy, Rapid Industrialization and Scientific
Knowledge for abolition of “Casteism”, “Economic Poverty” and “Unemployment”
tooth and nail.
21. According to Dr. Ambedkar, those who know
the History of Indian Society, will work
for bringing about the necessary Revolution in it. Indians must become the Rulers
of their own country, India,
i. e. the Bharatvarsh, so that the perennial problems of the vast masses will
be resolved. If somebody wants to destroy the Society, he/she/they will have to
first destroy its History and the Society will get destroyed automatically. Dr.
Ambedkar devoted his whole Life and worked hard throughout his Life, earnestly
and conscientiously, legally and politically, and economically for all the
citizens of India
on a par without any kind of discrimination whatsoever – judicially, socially,
economically or politically. Dr. Ambedkar’s
Contributions to India
and Indians are unique and praiseworthy. Dr. Ambedkar silently swallowed and ignored the personal
grudges and humiliations he had to face from his own competitors and rivals and in the face of severe hardships, difficulties
and unfavorable circumstances of his Life which he surmounted fearlessly as a
true warrior and against his own personal interest and the interest of his family
members. Therefore, I think it will be worthwhile to emulate and follow his Akhand
(undivided) Atma-bhav which he was possessing and his peaceful but
revolutionary ideals by all those who are in the Legal, Political and Public
Life of India for building up a just and equalitarian Society of all the
citizens of India irrespective of the diverse fields they hail from. At the
last and not the least, Dr. Ambedkar lived his Life to the Full and completed
his Life’s Mission
on Earth for others.
( alias JOSEPH NADAR)
