St.

Stephen’s College , Delhi

VAC – Political Science (Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties)

“The Legacy of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar : overcoming Adversity and Championing Equality”
Written by : Anshu Raj
B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics
Roll no. – 22BPHY023
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb, was a revolutionary figure in Indian history who played a
vital role in drafting the Indian Constitution. As a Dalit, he was a member of the oppressed caste, and his
struggles and achievements continue to inspire and resonate with millions of Indians today. As someone who
also comes from a less privileged background and has faced discrimination, I see Dr. Ambedkar as a role model
and a symbol of hope.

Born into a Mahar family in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Ambedkar's early life was marked by poverty and
discrimination. Despite facing numerous obstacles, he was a brilliant student who earned a scholarship to
study abroad. He completed his education in London and the United States, where he was exposed to the
ideas of liberty, democracy, and equality.

Dr. Ambedkar was acutely aware of the discrimination and oppression faced by Dalits in India. His personal
experiences and education had made him realize that the root cause of this discrimination was the caste
system, which divided Indian society into hierarchies of social status. He believed that the only way to
overcome this problem was to eradicate the caste system altogether.

Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to the Indian Constitution were immense. As the Chairman of the Drafting
Committee, he played a crucial role in framing the fundamental rights and directive principles of the state
policy. He argued that without political rights and economic opportunities, the oppressed classes would never
be able to overcome the centuries of discrimination they had faced.

However, the most significant contribution that Dr. Ambedkar made to the Indian Constitution was the
inclusion of provisions that guaranteed equal rights and protections for all citizens, regardless of their caste or
religion. The Constitution of India, which was adopted in 1950, declared that all citizens were equal before the
law and entitled to the same protections and opportunities, regardless of their social status or background.

As someone who also comes from a "Sudra" class and has faced discrimination, Dr. Ambedkar's legacy
continues to inspire me. Growing up in a small village in Bihar, I have seen firsthand the challenges and
obstacles that come with belonging to a lower caste. I have experienced discrimination and marginalization,
and I know how it can feel to be denied opportunities and treated as a second-class citizen.

However, Dr. Ambedkar's life and work have taught me that no matter how challenging the circumstances, it
is possible to overcome adversity and make a difference in the world. His unwavering commitment to justice
and equality, even in the face of extreme obstacles and opposition, is an inspiration to me and millions of
others.

Dr. Ambedkar's philosophy of social reform was rooted in the idea that every individual had the potential to
achieve greatness and contribute to society. He believed that true liberation could only come through
education and economic opportunities, and that every citizen deserved the chance to succeed.

In conclusion, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was a visionary leader who fought tirelessly for the rights and dignity of
the oppressed classes. His contributions to the Indian Constitution, and his lifelong commitment to social
justice, continue to inspire generations of Indians. As someone who comes from a similar background, I am
proud to see his legacy live on and remain committed to creating a more just and equitable society, just like he
did. I end this essay with a quote from Dr. Ambedkar himself:

"I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved."

This quote is a reminder of the importance of equality and justice for all, and a testament to Dr. Ambedkar's
unwavering commitment to social reform.