Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s life exemplified the principle of “Nation First.” Studying and practicing his ideals is the true tribute we can offer him. — Mahadevayya Karadalli
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a true patriot, a visionary economist, and the voice of the oppressed and downtrodden sections of Bharatiya society. Born into an “untouchable” community, he endured humiliation and indignity from his childhood. Yet, despite growing up amidst hardship and deprivation, he neither blamed others for his hardships, struggles nor allowed adversity to deter his resolve.
Beginning the journey of his schooling at Elphinstone High School in Mumbai, he later received a scholarship from Maharaja Sayajirao Gayakwad of Baroda, completing his B.A. in 1912. Recognizing the transformative power of education, he pursued higher studies with further support from the Maharaja. He distinguished himself with Graduate and Post Graduate in Political Science, Moral Philosophy, Anthropology, and Sociology. He went on to acquire advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Economics, from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. Mastering multiple disciplines, he inspired his people to seek education and self-empowerment. He faced challenges head-on and resolved to uplift the lives of those oppressed for centuries. Understanding that education was the key to liberation, he encouraged the marginalized to educate themselves and unite.
A born fighter who sought solutions to social injustices, Dr. Ambedkar participated in freedom struggle and worked tirelessly to strengthen the values of equality, liberty, and fraternity. In 1920, he launched the fortnightly journal Mookanayak to give voice to the voiceless. After completing his legal education, he became a Barrister in 1923. In 1924, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha to promote education among the oppressed classes. In 1927, he led the historic Mahad Satyagraha by drinking water from the Chaudar tank and symbolically burned the Manu smriti. In 1929, he opposed communal representation before the Simon Commission. In 1930, he spearheaded the Kalaram Temple entry movement in Nashik. As a representative of the depressed classes, he participated in the Round Table Conferences and, had negotiations with Mahatma Gandhi, which was called as the historic Poona Pact. In 1935, he declared his intention to renounce Hinduism as a means of social reform. He also led labour movements and, in 1940, authored Thoughts on Pakistan, analysing contemporary political realities. In 1946, he became a member of the Constituent Assembly and also founded Siddharth College. In 1947, as Independent India’s first Law Minister and Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he played a pivotal role in framing the Constitution, laying a strong foundation for Indian democracy. These milestones stand as enduring testaments to his patriotic personality. Having rejected the Manu smriti, he did not remain merely as critic but offered a progressive alternative in the form of a modern Constitution.
A Pioneer of New Bharat
As an economist, Dr. Ambedkar conducted extensive research on India’s economic development. His ideas contributed to the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India and influenced policies related to agriculture, industry, and finance. He critically examined India’s foreign policy and questioned the deterioration of international relations in the early years after independence. He was a sharp critic of Nehru on several geopolitical approaches, including certain idealistic foreign policy orientations. During the Hyderabad liberation struggle, he advised Home Minister Sardar Patel to term military intervention as “police action,” thereby preventing external interference. Due to differences within the cabinet over the Hindu Code Bill, he eventually resigned.
A Leader Who Placed the Nation First
True to his words that he would not die a Hindu, yet without succumbing to foreign religious influences, he chose to embrace Buddhism, born in Bharatiya faith. On May 24, 1956, he announced his decision, and on Vijayadashami of the same year, he embraced Buddhism along with nearly three lakh followers, strengthening Bharatiya’s cultural unity. On December 6, 1956, he left his mortal body, but he continues to live eternally in the hearts of those who have endured suffering.
His deep concern for his people often found expression in strong and uncompromising words, which at times were misunderstood by others. However, his genuine love for Hindu society and his unwavering devotion to Bharatiyas’ were beyond question. Recognizing the deep-rooted social evils of untouchability, he treated evils of society as a social physician, offering remedies that preserved national unity and social harmony.
He worked with thinkers from diverse communities, such as Chamanlal Setalvad, Dr. R.P. Paranjpe, and Balasaheb Kher, within the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, reflecting his inclusive outlook.
Messenger of Social Harmony and National Unity
Dr. Ambedkar emphasized that social harmony was essential for national unity and integrity. He cautioned that when oppressed communities rise, feelings of anger and retaliation are natural, but aggressive approaches could be self-destructive. He advised Dalit youth to have unwavering faith in the purity of their goals and to dedicate their strength, time, and talent to the upliftment of their community. He reminded them that alongside striving for social justice, they must also safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
After embracing Buddhism, while addressing a gathering of Scheduled Caste Federation workers in Nagpur, he remarked that while others might value politics more, for him, Dharma held a deeper significance. He encouraged cooperation with sympathetic groups and stressed the importance of working collectively with others. Such guidance established him as a person who always worked for unity, integrity and social cohesion.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s life exemplified the principle of “Nation First.” Studying and practicing his ideals is the true tribute we can offer him. As Bharat aspires to emerge as a global leader by 2047, striving towards a strong and prosperous nation would be the most fitting homage to this Mahan soul.
On his birth anniversary, all Bharatiyas’ remember him with reverence and extend their heartfelt tributes.
(Source: “Rashtra Chintan of Dr. Ambedkar (Kannada)” by Chandrashekhar Bhandari)
