On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti, observed on this day, we must commemorate the memory of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the Indian polymath, anti-caste icon, and the Father of the Indian Constitution. It marks Dr. Ambedkar's birthday who was born on
14 April 1891. The role played by Ambedkar has left its imprint on the social tapestry of the
country after Independence, and shaped the political and civic contours of India today. He was the most prominent anti-caste activist, and had lasting impact on the Dalit-Bahujan movements of India. He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian constitution, and also became the first law minister of independent India. He was a lifelong fighter for the rights of the Dalit-Bahujan people and sought to annihilate the caste system in India. In October 1956, in despair because of the irreparable nature of the Hindu doctrine, he renounced Hinduism and became a Buddhist,
together with about 200,000 fellow Dalits, at a ceremony in Nagpur. Three days after
completing his final manuscript The Buddha and His Dhamma, Ambedkar died in his sleep
on 6 December 1956 at his home in Delhi. He rose to become a deeply regarded and most
widely acknowledged leader of the Dalit-Bahujans and, beyond death, his stature has grown
larger over the years.