Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a brilliant legal and economic scholar whose ideas and efforts laid the foundation for a more equal and just India. His academic journey was extraordinary—he earned doctorate degrees in Economics from both Columbia University (USA) and the London School of Economics (UK), making him one of the most highly educated leaders of his time.
🔍 Champion of Education and Social Reform
Ambedkar believed that education was the key to upliftment. To empower marginalized communities, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, aimed at promoting education among the socially oppressed, particularly non-Brahmin classes. He also launched five key periodicals—Mooknayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, Samta, Janata, and Prabuddha Bharat—to voice the struggles and rights of the downtrodden.
⚖️ Political Reformer and Advocate of Equality
Ambedkar strongly opposed the British proposal of separate electorates for the so-called “Untouchables”, believing that it would create further division. After deep negotiations with Congress leader Madan Mohan Malaviya, the historic Poona Pact was signed. This agreement granted the depressed classes 148 reserved legislative seats, significantly more than the 71 seats proposed by the British. These groups were later constitutionally recognized as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
🇮🇳 Architect of the Indian Constitution
After India’s independence, Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as the first Law and Justice Minister of independent India. He was then chosen to chair the committee that drafted the Indian Constitution, a responsibility he fulfilled with immense vision and commitment, ensuring fundamental rights and equality for all citizens.
🎓 Educational Achievements at a Glance
-
Studied at Elphinstone College, Mumbai
-
Earned doctorates from Columbia University and London School of Economics
-
First Indian to receive a Ph.D. in Economics from a foreign university
-
Served as Principal of Government Law College, Mumbai
– Advocated for the inclusion and support of lower-caste students
