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Some personalities in Indian history have left an enduring impact that transcends time. One such figure is Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, fondly called ‘Baba Saheb’. He was not just an individual, but the embodiment of an ideology committed to social justice, equality, and human dignity
Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, whose entire life is a symbol of struggle, education, and equality, has a legacy that goes beyond celebration—his birth anniversary is not just a festival, but an opportunity to reflect on his thoughts and implement them in our lives. His life teaches us that education and self-respect can empower and organize society. It also proves that any obstacle can be overcome with determination and knowledge.
Some personalities in Indian history have left an enduring impact that transcends time. One such figure is Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, fondly called ‘Baba Saheb’. He was not just an individual, but the embodiment of an ideology committed to social justice, equality, and human dignity. His thoughts and life continue to guide us intellectually, socially, politically, and philosophically. He transformed both the direction and the condition of Indian society while facing countless challenges.
Baba Saheb believed that democracy should not only be a system of governance but also the foundation of social and economic equality. With this belief, he embedded values like equality, freedom, and justice into the Indian Constitution, giving it the power to address socio-economic disparities and provide equal opportunities to all. His contribution extended beyond drafting the Constitution—he gave Indian politics an inclusive and progressive direction. His ideas remain central to Indian democracy and continue to inspire the fight for social justice. He considered the caste system the greatest hurdle in Indian society and worked relentlessly to dismantle it. Today, his legacy inspires sensitivity to equality and human rights in Indian politics.
Baba Saheb’s contribution to independent India was multifaceted. Beyond drafting the Constitution, he provided a strong foundation in social, economic, and political spheres. As the first Law Minister of independent India, he transformed the Constitution into an instrument of social revolution. He firmly believed that the success of the Constitution depends on the quality of its administrators.
His visionary thinking forms the cornerstone of Indian democracy today. He famously said, “No matter how good the Constitution is, if those who implement it are not good, it will be ineffective.” His thoughts and ideals are like a guiding light, leading Indian society toward equality, freedom, and justice.
Baba Saheb emphasized the importance of personal freedom, stating, “Equality and brotherhood are not possible without liberty.” His vision for the Constitution centered on social, economic, and political justice, and its inclusion in the document reflects his philosophy. A staunch supporter of social equality, he deemed caste the greatest curse and advocated for its complete eradication. He believed that “true democracy cannot be established until caste discrimination is eliminated.”
He championed education for the upliftment of the deprived, with his core mantra being: “Be educated, stay organized, struggle.” His pioneering efforts for women’s empowerment—especially through the Hindu Code Bill—ensured equal rights for women in property, divorce, and marriage.
Few know that Baba Saheb was also an accomplished economist. His book “The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution” offered a deep analysis of India’s monetary policy, influencing the formation of the Reserve Bank of India. His contributions to water resource development and projects like the Damodar Valley Project spurred industrial growth. He also introduced labor reforms, such as the 8-hour workday, minimum wages, and labor rights.
Baba Saheb often had ideological differences with the Congress Party, especially regarding Dalit and underprivileged representation in the freedom movement. He believed that Congress was indifferent to their plight and weakened his social reform agenda. He faced symbolic neglect even after death—denied a funeral space in Delhi and awarded the Bharat Ratna only in 1990, 34 years posthumously, by a non-Congress government. This neglect reflects Congress’s disregard for his legacy, rooted in deeper ideological resistance, including opposition to caste-based reservations by leaders like Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi.
In contrast, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s government has revitalized Baba Saheb’s memory and respect. The development of the Panchtirtha (Mhow, London, Nagpur, Delhi, Mumbai), the establishment of the Dr. Ambedkar International Center, the declaration of Ambedkar Jayanti as a public holiday, and the launch of the BHIM app all reflect efforts to honor him.
Baba Saheb’s ideology resonates through initiatives like Jan Dhan, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, Mudra Yojana, and Stand-up India—schemes aimed at economic and social upliftment. Reforms such as the Triple Talaq law and the Citizenship Amendment Act reflect his vision of justice and equality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Skill India scheme empowers the youth of the country—especially those from underprivileged and weaker sections—by providing skill development training that enhances their employability. This initiative directly aligns with Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of education and self-reliance for all. The Modi government’s New Education Policy, which promotes inclusive education and the
Bharat Ratna Dr. Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s thoughts and principles were relevant in his time, remain relevant today, and will continue to inspire and guide future generations
use of regional languages in instruction, represents a significant step toward making education more accessible to marginalized communities. Additionally, scholarship programs for SC and ST students are clearly inspired by Dr. Ambedkar’s commitment to educational equity and social upliftment.
Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar regarded the Indian Constitution as the foundation of democracy. In line with his philosophy, the Modi government has consistently worked to uphold constitutional values and has shown respect for the Constitution and the legal framework. The Citizenship Amendment Act, introduced by the Modi government to protect persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, reflects Dr Ambedkar’s ideals of justice and human rights. Similarly, the Triple Talaq law, which safeguards the rights of Muslim women, draws inspiration from Baba Saheb’s strong advocacy for women’s empowerment and his support for a Uniform Civil Code.
Bharat Ratna Dr. Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s thoughts and principles were relevant in his time, remain relevant today, and will continue to inspire and guide future generations. His vision transcends eras, offering timeless guidance on social justice, equality, and empowerment. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s early life stands as a powerful example of struggle, determination, and inspiration, demonstrating how unwavering commitment to education and self-respect can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Despite facing social discrimination and financial hardships, Dr. Ambedkar’s unwavering dedication to education and self-respect continues to inspire millions today. His life teaches us that no matter how challenging the circumstances, every obstacle can be overcome through education, dignity, and determination. His journey reminds us that personal development must go hand in hand with a commitment to the greater good of society. His philosophy encourages us to view adversity not as a setback, but as a force that strengthens us. These qualities make his life a timeless source of motivation, urging us to move forward and become an inspiration to others.
(The Writer is BJP National General Secretary)