# B. R. Ambedkar

> Indian polymath, philosopher, and social reformer (1891–1956)

**Wikidata**: [Q231690](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q231690)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._R._Ambedkar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b-r-ambedkar

## Summary
B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956) was an Indian polymath, philosopher, and social reformer who championed the rights of marginalized communities and played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution. As a jurist, economist, and political leader, he fought against caste discrimination and advocated for social equality, leaving a lasting legacy in India's legal and political frameworks.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 14, 1891, in Mhow, British India (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, India)
- **Nationality**: Indian
- **Education**:
  - Columbia University (PhD in Economics)
  - London School of Economics and Political Science (DSc in Economics)
  - Elphinstone College (BA)
- **Known for**: Drafting the Indian Constitution, advocating for Dalit rights, and founding Navayana Buddhism
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Government of India (Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution)
  - Columbia University (Affiliated scholar)
  - London School of Economics and Political Science (Affiliated scholar)
- **Field(s)**: Law, Economics, Political Science, Social Reform, Philosophy

## Contributions
B. R. Ambedkar made significant contributions across multiple fields:
- **Constitution of India**: As Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he played a central role in shaping India's constitutional framework, ensuring fundamental rights and social justice.
- **Navayana Buddhism**: Founded this school of Buddhism, which emphasizes social equality and class struggle, providing a spiritual path for marginalized communities.
- **Social Reform**: Advocated for the abolition of the caste system and worked tirelessly for the rights of Dalits (formerly known as "untouchables").
- **Educational Institutions**: Established institutions like Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Delhi, to promote accessible education.
- **Literary Works**: Authored influential books such as *Annihilation of Caste* and *The Buddha and His Dhamma*, which critiqued caste discrimination and explored Buddhist philosophy.
- **Political Leadership**: Founded the Samata Sainik Dal and the Buddhist Society of India to promote social and political equality.

## FAQs
### What is B. R. Ambedkar best known for?
B. R. Ambedkar is best known for his role in drafting the Indian Constitution and his advocacy for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities. His work laid the foundation for social justice and equality in India.

### Where did B. R. Ambedkar receive his education?
Ambedkar studied at Columbia University, where he earned a PhD in Economics, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he obtained a DSc in Economics. He also attended Elphinstone College in Mumbai.

### What is Navayana Buddhism?
Navayana Buddhism is a school of Buddhism founded by B. R. Ambedkar. It focuses on social equality and class struggle, offering a spiritual alternative to the caste-based Hinduism that marginalized Dalits.

### What institutions are named after B. R. Ambedkar?
Several institutions bear his name, including Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Delhi, and B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University. These institutions reflect his commitment to education and social reform.

### What awards and honors did B. R. Ambedkar receive?
Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1990. He also received honorary doctorates from Columbia University and Osmania University.

### What organizations did B. R. Ambedkar found?
Ambedkar founded the Samata Sainik Dal, a socio-political organization, and the Buddhist Society of India, which promoted Buddhist principles and social equality.

## Why They Matter
B. R. Ambedkar's contributions transformed India's social and political landscape. His role in drafting the Indian Constitution ensured fundamental rights and protections for all citizens, particularly marginalized communities. By founding Navayana Buddhism, he provided a spiritual and social alternative to caste-based discrimination, empowering millions of Dalits. His advocacy for education and social reform continues to inspire movements for equality and justice. Without his efforts, India's legal and social frameworks would lack the robust protections for human rights and social justice that exist today.

## Notable For
- **Drafting the Indian Constitution**: As Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he shaped India's legal framework.
- **Founding Navayana Buddhism**: Created a school of Buddhism focused on social equality.
- **Advocating for Dalit Rights**: Fought against caste discrimination and for the rights of marginalized communities.
- **Establishing Educational Institutions**: Founded universities and colleges to promote accessible education.
- **Authoring Influential Works**: Wrote books like *Annihilation of Caste* and *The Buddha and His Dhamma*.
- **Receiving the Bharat Ratna**: Posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honor.
- **Founding Socio-Political Organizations**: Established the Samata Sainik Dal and the Buddhist Society of India.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
B. R. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, British India (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, India). He belonged to the Mahar caste, which was considered "untouchable" in the caste hierarchy. Despite facing discrimination, Ambedkar pursued higher education, earning degrees from Elphinstone College, Columbia University, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. His academic achievements included a PhD in Economics from Columbia and a DSc in Economics from the London School of Economics.

### Career and Political Leadership
Ambedkar's career spanned law, economics, and political science. He served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, playing a pivotal role in shaping the legal framework of independent India. His work ensured fundamental rights and protections for all citizens, particularly marginalized communities. Ambedkar also held positions in the Government of India and was affiliated with prestigious institutions like Columbia University and the London School of Economics.

### Social Reform and Advocacy
Ambedkar was a vocal advocate for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities. He fought against caste discrimination and worked to abolish the caste system. His efforts included founding the Samata Sainik Dal, a socio-political organization, and the Buddhist Society of India, which promoted Buddhist principles and social equality. Ambedkar's advocacy extended to education, where he established institutions like Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Delhi, to promote accessible education.

### Literary Works and Philosophy
Ambedkar authored several influential books, including *Annihilation of Caste* and *The Buddha and His Dhamma*. These works critiqued caste discrimination and explored Buddhist philosophy, offering a spiritual and social alternative to caste-based Hinduism. His philosophy, known as Ambedkarism, emphasized social equality and class struggle, influencing movements for justice and equality.

### Legacy and Honors
Ambedkar's legacy is celebrated through numerous institutions and honors named after him. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1990. His contributions to social reform, education, and constitutional law continue to inspire movements for equality and justice in India and beyond.

### Related Entities and Influence
Ambedkar's influence extends to various entities and individuals, including educational institutions, socio-political organizations, and prominent figures like Aamir Khan, who has advocated for social justice. His work has also inspired academic disciplines and philosophical movements, ensuring his enduring impact on Indian society and beyond.

## References

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16. [B R Ambedkar laid the foundation for workers’ rights, social security in India. 2020](https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/br-ambedkar-migrant-workers-international-labour-day-arjun-ram-meghwal-6387858/)
17. [Source](https://books.google.co.in/books?id=N2XLE22ZizYC&pg=PA253&dq=independent+labour+party+ambedkar&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiYk5bprPPsAhWXIbcAHRH0BigQ6AEwAnoECAkQAg#v=onepage&q=independent%20labour%20party%20ambedkar&f=false)
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20. [Ambedkar the economist. 2015](https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/ambedkar-the-economist-57688.html)
21. [Ambedkar: An Empathetic Economist. 2015](https://www.forwardpress.in/2015/12/ambedkar-an-empathetic-economist/)
22. [Ambedkar’s ‘enlightened economics’. 2017](https://www.forwardpress.in/2017/06/ambedkars-enlightened-economics/)
23. [Ambedkar: A jurist with no equals. 2017](https://www.forwardpress.in/2017/07/ambedkar-a-jurist-with-no-equals/)
24. [Ambedkar: An educationist of the marginalized. 2017](https://www.forwardpress.in/2017/10/ambedkars-thoughts-on-education-an-overview/)
25. [Why Ambedkar chose Buddhism over Hinduism, Islam, Christianity. 2019](https://theprint.in/opinion/why-ambedkar-chose-buddhism-over-hinduism-islam-christianity/237599/)
26. [Buddha Purnima: Why Ambedkar converted to Buddhism. 2020](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/buddha-purnima-special-why-ambedkar-coverted-to-buddhism-6397742/)
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30. [Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Columbia Global Centers](https://globalcenters.columbia.edu/content/mumbai-bhimrao-ramji-ambedkar)
31. [5th June in Dalit History – Dr. Ambedkar conferred with honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Columbia University. 2015](https://drambedkarbooks.com/2015/06/05/5th-june-in-dalit-history-dr-ambedkar-conferred-with-honorary-degree-of-doctor-of-laws-by-columbia-university/)
32. [LL.D. Degree Certificate of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar from Columbia University. 2011](https://drambedkarbooks.com/2011/10/04/ll-d-degree-certificate-of-dr-b-r-ambedkar-from-columbia-university/)
33. [D. Litt. Degree Certificate of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar from Osmania University.. 2015](https://drambedkarbooks.com/2015/02/11/d-litt-degree-certificate-of-dr-b-r-ambedkar-from-osmania-university/)
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