"The Father of the Indian Constitution" Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. His parents belonged to the Mahar Caste, which was considered as " untouchable". He was lucky to get good education in his early childhood as his father was in the British Army. Even after Bhimrao's father retired from the army, he continued his studies and passed his Matriculation examination from Bombay University with excellent results in 1908. The year 1912 saw Bhimrao graduating in Political Science and Economics from Bombay University. Though he got a job in Baroda, he moved to the United States in 1913 for further studies after the Maharaja of Baroda awarded him a scholarship.
He earned his doctorate from the Columbia University in 1916. Upon his return from USA, the Maharaja of Baroda appointed Dr. Ambedkar as his political secretary. Bhimrao moved to Bombay in 1917 and founded a fortnightly newspaper, the "Mooknayak" (Dumb Hero) in 1920. In late 1920, he moved to back to London to complete his studies. After returning to India again, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitkaraini Sabha (Outcastes Welfare Association) in July 1924 for the welfare of the downtrodden.
Under Ramsay McDonald's 'Communal Award', a separate electorate was announced for the backward classes. Protesting against this move, Mahatma Gandhi went on a fast-unto-death. He finally managed to convince Dr. Ambedkar to drop his demand. The two prominent leaders reached an understanding on September 24, 1932 which came to be known as the Poona Pact. Dr.Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the drafting committee set up by the Constituent Assembly to draft a constitution for independent India. After India became independent, Dr. Ambedkar became the Union Law Minister. He presented the draft constitution in February 1948 before the people of India
In October 1956, Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with thousands of his followers. This great son of India passed away on December 6, 1956, creating a void that will be difficult to fill. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1990.
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