Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life was marked by extraordinary achievements and untold stories that continue to inspire generations of Indians.
NEW DELHI: Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, affectionately known as Babasaheb, was a pioneering Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer. He played a monumental role in shaping modern India by championing the rights of Dalits, advocating for gender equality, and laying the foundation of democratic governance. His work continues to inspire movements for social justice, human rights, and empowerment.
Here are some remarkable — and often overlooked — facts about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar that every Indian should know and take pride in:
Academic and Intellectual Brilliance
- Dr. Ambedkar was recognized by Cambridge University in 2011 as one of the world’s most talented individuals.
- He was the first Indian to earn a doctorate in Economics abroad.
- He holds the distinction of being South Asia’s first double doctorate holder in Economics.
- He also earned a DSc in Economics, making him the first Indian to achieve this milestone.
- The formation of the Reserve Bank of India in 1935 was based on his book “The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution.”
ALSO READ: CJI Chandrachud Honors BR Ambedkar with Floral Tributes
Champion of Democratic Rights and Labour Reforms
- Dr. Ambedkar was the first to advocate for universal adult franchise in India, voicing this demand before the Southborough Commission.
- As the Labour Member of the Viceroy’s Council, he reduced the workday from 12 to 8 hours during the 7th Indian Labour Conference in 1942.
- He was a pioneer in implementing “Equal pay for equal work” regardless of gender.
- He introduced numerous laws protecting women workers, such as:
- Mines Maternity Benefit Act
- Women Labour Welfare Fund
- Maternity Benefits for Women Labour
- Women and Child Labour Protection Act
- Dr. Ambedkar was responsible for enacting Employee State Insurance (ESI) — the first of its kind in East Asia — which offered medical and financial aid to workers.
- Concepts like Dearness Allowance (DA), Leave Benefits, and Pay Scale Revisions were introduced by him.
- He promoted workers’ productivity through initiatives focused on education, skill development, and healthcare.
- In 1942, he established the Tripartite Labour Council, promoting worker-employer cooperation and compulsory trade union recognition.
- Key institutions like Chief and Labour Commissioners, and the inclusion of Labour in the Concurrent List, were his contributions.
- The Minimum Wages Act and Maternity Benefit Bill both bear his signature vision.
- The creation of Employment Exchanges in India was driven by his policies.
- Dr. Ambedkar ensured the Right to Strike for workers, recognizing it legally.
- He introduced the Indian Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill on November 8, 1943, for mandatory recognition of trade unions.
ALSO READ: Even Babasaheb Ambedkar himself couldn’t abolish Constitution: PM Criticizes Opposition
Contributions to Infrastructure and National Planning
- Dr. Ambedkar envisioned and led projects such as:
- Damodar Valley Project
- Bhakra-Nangal Dam
- Sone River Valley
- Hirakud Dam
These multipurpose river projects remain crucial to India’s irrigation and power systems.
- He proposed the bifurcation of Madhya Pradesh and Bihar decades before the creation of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in 2000.
- Dr. Ambedkar emphasized the importance of the power Grid System, sending Indian engineers abroad for training — a legacy that endures.
- He established the Central Technical Power Board (CTPB) to oversee hydroelectric site development and energy investigations.
Political and Social Reforms
- He opposed Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir — a clause passed against his wishes.
- Dr. Ambedkar resigned as India’s first Law Minister after Prime Minister Nehru’s government shelved the historic Hindu Code Bill. The Bill was aimed at ensuring equal rights for women in matters of marriage, inheritance, and personal laws. Despite facing strong opposition, Dr. Ambedkar fought relentlessly for three years to see it through, calling it one of the most significant social reforms for Indian women.
- The provision for setting up a Finance Commission every five years in the Constitution was introduced by none other than Dr. Ambedkar himself.
READ MORE REPORTS ON DR AMBEDKAR
FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE
