Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, often revered as B. R. Ambedkar, stands as a colossal figure in modern Indian history, leaving an indelible mark as a jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer.
His life’s work was dedicated to championing the rights of society’s oppressed and marginalized segments.
Notably, Dr. Ambedkar was the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, a landmark text that established India’s democratic principles and social justice.
Beyond his constitutional contributions, Dr. Ambedkar served as the first law minister of independent India, further solidifying his impact on the nation’s legal landscape.
His tireless advocacy for social equality and justice continues to resonate, making him an enduring icon in the struggle against discrimination.
Dr. Ambedkar’s multifaceted legacy extends beyond his role in shaping the nation’s legal framework, as he remains a symbol of resilience to a more inclusive and egalitarian India.
Meet Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Mother Bhimabai Sakpal And Father Ramji Maloji
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow, a Madhya Pradesh town and military cantonment. He was Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai Sakpal’s 14th and final child.
His father was an army officer who held the rank of Subedar, and his mother was the daughter of Laxman Murbadkar.
Bhimabai Sakpal, also known as Bhimabai Ambedkar, was born on 14 February 1854.
She married Ramji Sakpal when she was very young and moved with him to different places where he was posted.
She gave birth to 14 children, but only four of them survived. She was a devoted mother who cared for her children’s education and well-being.
Bhimbai also taught them the values of courage, honesty, and self-respect. Sakpal died on December 20, 1896, when Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was only five years old.
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Her death left a deep impact on him and his siblings. He later wrote in his autobiography that his mother’s death was “the greatest tragedy” of his life.
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Family: Ethnicity And Origin
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar belonged to the Mahar caste, considered one of the lowest and untouchable castes in the Hindu social hierarchy.
The Mahars were subjected to various forms of discrimination, humiliation, and violence by the upper castes. They were denied education, public places, temples, water sources, and civil rights.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s family traced its origin to Ambadawe, a village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.
His grandfather, Maloji Sakpal, was a retired army officer who had received a piece of land from the British government for his services.
Ramji Sakpal’s father followed in his footsteps and joined the army as a Subedar. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s family changed its surname several times for various reasons.
The family’s original surname was Sakpal, but Ramji Sakpal registered his son’s name as Ambadawekar (after their native village) during his school admission.
Later, when Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar moved to Bombay for higher studies, he changed his surname to Ambedkar (after the name of his Brahmin teacher, Krishnaji Arjun Keluskar, who had given him a book on the life of Gautama Buddha).
Dr. Babasaheb’s family was one of the rare examples of an untouchable family that overcame the barriers of caste and poverty and achieved education and success.
Ambedkar himself became one of the most educated Indians of his time, with degrees in law, economics, and political science from India and abroad.
