If you are looking for a short biography of Bhimrao Ambedkar, you are right. This article will cover his educational background, career, and conversion to Buddhism. We will also explore his life’s achievements. This is an excellent biography for children and a quick read for adults.
Bhimrao Ambedkar
This Bhimrao Ambedkar short biographical note gives us an idea of the man and his life. Born in 1886, Ambedkar cleared his matriculation from the Elphinstone High School in Bombay and studied further at the University of Bombay. He later completed a Ph.D. from Columbia University and became a professor of political economy at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Bombay. In 1920, Ambedkar went to England at his expense. He obtained a D.Sc. in economics at the London School of Economics and spent some months studying economics at the University of Bonn. In 1927, he got his Doctorate in Economics from Columbia University.
Ambedkar was an important figure during the period of Indian independence. He was one of the first leaders to advocate the abolition of the caste system. He also called for the abolition of untouchability. In addition to this, he was also an essential part of the Indian political scene. He served on the Viceroy’s Executive Council and as the Minister of Labor in free India.
Education
While living in London, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar studied political science and economics. He also published several articles on a variety of subjects. Ambedkar was interested in human rights and considered education a critical path to progress. As such, he placed particular emphasis on female education.
Gandhi began his education by taking the metric exams in 1907. In 1908, he was admitted to Elphinstone College, affiliated with the University of Bombay. By 1912, he had earned a degree in political science and economics. He later earned several doctorates and law degrees at the London School of Economics and Columbia University.
Born in a lower caste, Ambedkar was able to make a difference as he drafted the Indian constitution. He also incorporated provisions for reserving seats in schools and government offices. However, his health did not always go well. He suffered from diabetes and poor eyesight, eventually leading to his death.
Career
Ambedkar was born in 1891 in Maharashtra and studied at Elphinstone College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of Bombay in 1912. Later, he moved to the United States, receiving a scholarship from Sayajirao Gaekwad and attending Columbia University. While at Columbia, he studied Economics, Sociology, and History. He then completed his Master’s degree in Economics at Columbia University in New York City. He also studied law at Columbia University and earned his Ph.D. in economics at the University of London.
After completing his education, Ambedkar returned to India and entered politics. He served as Defence Secretary of the erstwhile Princely State of Baroda but was frequently ridiculed for his Dalit status. He eventually left the government and worked as a private tutor. He also became an accountant and started his consulting firm, but was unsuccessful due to the caste discrimination he experienced. Later on, he took up a post at the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. He then began motivating and uplifting Dalits in society.
Conversion to Buddhism
October 14, 1956, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in Nagpur, India. In the process, he converted at least a hundred thousand and possibly five hundred thousand Dalit followers. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism was part of his efforts to change the rigid caste system of Indian society, which he firmly believed did not give Dalits the freedom they sought.
While Buddhism is not traditionally regarded as a missionary religion, there are a growing number of converts. Last year, Buddhists in Nagpur, India, celebrated the 50th anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s conversion. The Catholic News reported that more than nine thousand untouchables converted to Buddhism on the anniversary.
Impact of untouchability on Ambedkar’s life
Born into a Dalit community, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a leader who stood up to injustice and inequity. As Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, he battled against inegalitarianism and the Hindu caste system. While he lived a life dominated by privilege, he was also very aware of the social and economic disadvantages that untouchables faced. He believed that every human being was born equal and that they should be allowed to live a free life.
Untouchability was a massive obstacle for Ambedkar in his pursuit of economic and social equality. He questioned the legitimacy of caste-based organizations that sought to raise the Depressed Classes in India and refused to participate in the First All-India Conference of the Depressed Classes in 1917. Untouchability was an ongoing problem in Indian society, and many leaders have tried eradicating it. One example is the city of Radhanagar, West Bengal, which has separate crematoria for Brahmans and Non-Brahmans.
