Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar overcame formidable social and educational barriers to become a scholar, jurist, and a champion of social justice. His journey from being born as an untouchable in a deeply discriminatory society to becoming one of the most influential voices in the fight against caste-based discrimination and inequality is an inspiring story of determination and resilience. In this post, we will look into the extraordinary educational journey of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, tracing his path from adversity to academic excellence.
Pursuit of Education
Ambedkar’s pursuit of education began with humble beginnings. Despite facing discrimination and insults from teachers and classmates due to his caste background, Ambedkar’s determination and intellectual abilities were evident from a young age.
In 1897, Ambedkar’s family moved to Mumbai, where he became the only untouchable student enrolled at Elphinstone High School. In 1907, he successfully passed his matriculation exam. The next year, he joined Elphinstone College, affiliated to the University of Bombay. By 1912, he earned his degree in economics and political science from Bombay University.
In 1913, when he was 22 years old, Ambedkar received a scholarship from the Baroda State. This scholarship provided him with £11.50 per month for three years. It was a scheme established by Sayajirao Gaekwad III, also known as the Gaekwad of Baroda, to support postgraduate education at Columbia University in New York City.
Upon arriving at Columbia University, he shared living quarters at Livingston Hall with a lifelong friend named Naval Bhathena, who was Parsi. In June 1915, Ambedkar passed his M.A. exam with a major in economics, along with subjects like Sociology, History, Philosophy, and Anthropology. He presented a thesis titled “Ancient Indian Commerce.”
Ambedkar was greatly influenced by the ideas of John Dewey, especially his work on democracy. In 1916, he completed another master’s thesis titled “National Dividend of India – A Historic and Analytical Study” for a second M.A. degree. On May 9th, he presented a paper titled “Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis, and Development” during a seminar led by anthropologist Alexander Goldenweiser. Ambedkar eventually earned his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University in 1927.
In October 1916, Ambedkar enrolled at Gray’s Inn in London. At the same time, he also enrolled at the London School of Economics (LSE) and began working on his doctoral thesis. In June 1917, he had to return to India because his scholarship from Baroda had ended. Unfortunately, the ship carrying his collection of books was different from the one he was on, and it was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine. However, he received permission to return to London to submit his thesis within four years. He took the first opportunity to go back and completed a master’s degree in 1921. His thesis focused on “The problem of the rupee: Its origin and its solution.”
Contribution to the Indian Constitution
Ambedkar’s educational journey was all about using knowledge to fight injustice. His intellectual prowess and commitment to social justice were evident when he was appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution in 1947. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Constitution of India, which came into effect on January 26, 1950.
Ambedkar played a critical role in the creation of the Indian Constitution. He advocated for fundamental rights and social justice provisions that aimed to protect the rights and dignity of marginalised communities, including scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. His stress on equality and devotion to abolishing untouchability created the groundwork for a more inclusive India.
Final Words
The educational journey of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar from being born as an untouchable to becoming a scholar, jurist, and the father of the Indian Constitution, is a remarkable testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Ambedkar not only revolutionised his own life but also left an indelible effect on the trajectory of Indian history through his constant quest for knowledge and unflinching dedication to social justice.
His legacy continues to inspire individuals and movements dedicated to fighting against caste-based discrimination and advocating for a more just and equitable society. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life reminds us that education, when combined with a passionate commitment to social change, can be a powerful force for transformation and progress.
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