Architect of Modern India, Father of the Indian Constitution, and Universal Symbol of Knowledge
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), known venerably as Babasaheb and Bhim, is one of humanity’s greatest polymaths, jurists, economists, statesmen, and human rights champions. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, he anchored independent India’s democratic and egalitarian legal foundation, enshrining Fundamental Rights, Article 32, and constitutional reservations for the emancipation of historically oppressed classes.
Honored globally by Columbia University as their number one scholar in 250 years and holder of doctorates from Columbia University (Ph.D.) and the London School of Economics (D.Sc.), Dr. Ambedkar championed social democracy rooted in liberty, equality, and fraternity. The historic salute 'Jay Bhim' represents universal dignity, self-respect, and constitutional courage.
Constitution of India and Constitutional Reservation (Affirmative Action)
Dr. Ambedkar envisioned reservation not as political patronage or charity, but as an indispensable constitutional right to ensure equitable representation, institutional power-sharing, and systemic justice for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Through the historic Poona Pact of 1932 and later in the Constituent Assembly, he enshrined Articles 14, 15(4), 16(4), 46, 330, 332, and 335.
Dr. Ambedkar declared Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) as the "Heart and Soul of the Constitution," giving every citizen direct recourse to the Supreme Court of India when Fundamental Rights are infringed.
Complete Works, Treatises and Books by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Free Archival Editions)
- Annihilation of Caste (1936) - Unabridged presidential address dismantling caste hierarchy and Shastric orthodoxy.
- The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution (1923) - Doctoral treatise at LSE that laid the foundation for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Who Were the Shudras? (1946) - Historical investigation dedicated to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on the origins of the fourth Varna.
- The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables? (1948) - Sociological study on the origins of untouchability.
- The Buddha and His Dhamma (1957) - Magnum opus scripture of Navayana Buddhism based on moral rationalism.
- Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development (1916) - Seminal paper at Columbia University on endogamy.
- Pakistan or the Partition of India (1940) - Masterful geopolitical analysis of communalism and national borders.
- What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables (1945) - Rigorous critique of political patronization.
- Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Ancient India - Ancient Indian philosophical history.
- Riddles in Hinduism - Critical inquiry into Vedic literature, Rama, Krishna, and the Vedas.
- Waiting for a Visa (1936) - Autobiographical account of caste discrimination used at Columbia University.
- States and Minorities (1947) - Memorandum on Fundamental Rights and democratic state socialism.
- Final Address to the Constituent Assembly (25 Nov 1949) - Three warnings to the Republic on grammar of anarchy, Bhakti/hero-worship, and social democracy.
- Hindu Code Bill Resignation Statement (1951) - Historic resignation as Law Minister for women's legal rights.
- Yeola Declaration (1935) - "Even though I was born in the Hindu religion, I will not die a Hindu."
- Mahad Satyagraha Address (25 Dec 1927) - Declaration of human equality at the burning of Manusmriti.
The 22 Vows (२२ प्रतिज्ञा) - Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur (14 October 1956)
- I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, nor shall I worship them.
- I shall have no faith in Rama and Krishna, who are believed to be incarnation of God, nor shall I worship them.
- I shall have no faith in Gauri, Ganapati and other gods and goddesses of Hindus, nor shall I worship them.
- I do not believe in the Incarnation of God.
- I do not and shall not believe that Lord Buddha was the incarnation of Vishnu. I believe this to be pure madness and false propaganda.
- I shall not perform 'Shraddha' nor shall I give 'pinda'.
- I shall not act in a manner violating the principles and teachings of the Buddha.
- I shall not allow any ceremonies to be conducted by Brahmins.
- I shall believe in the equality of man.
- I shall endeavour to establish equality.
- I shall follow the Noble Eightfold Path of the Buddha.
- I shall follow the ten Paramitas prescribed by the Buddha.
- I shall have compassion and loving-kindness for all living beings and protect them.
- I shall not steal.
- I shall not tell lies.
- I shall not commit carnal sins.
- I shall not take intoxicants like liquor, drugs etc.
- I shall endeavour to follow the Noble Eightfold Path and practise compassion and loving-kindness in everyday life.
- I renounce Hinduism, which disfavours humanity and impedes the advancement and development of humanity because it is based on inequality, and adopt Buddhism as my religion.
- I firmly believe the Dhamma of the Buddha is the only true religion.
- I consider that I have taken a new birth.
- I solemnly declare and affirm that I shall hereafter lead my life according to the principles and teachings of the Buddha and His Dhamma.
Playable Historical Video Archives & Official Broadcast Records
Watch verified archival film footage on babasahebambedkar.in, including:
- 1953 Rare BBC Television Interview: Dr. Ambedkar discusses Indian democracy, social structure change, and Gandhi's legacy.
- Government of India Films Division Master Biographical Documentary: Definitive visual record of Dr. Ambedkar's childhood, education at Columbia and LSE, barrister practice, and drafting of the Constitution.
- Sansad TV / Rajya Sabha TV 'Samvidhaan' Series: Master dramatization and verbatim Constituent Assembly debates by Shyam Benegal with Sachin Khedekar portraying Dr. Ambedkar.
- 1956 Nagpur Deekshabhoomi Original Film Reels: Rare archival footage of 500,000 citizens embracing Buddhism with Dr. Ambedkar.