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Dr. Ambedkar: Life and Mission
Ambedkar is a timeless inspiring personality and his life retains importance for societies, especially the ones that are committed to human advancement. To highlight the importance of the role played by Ambedkar in improving the conditions of untouchables, and the constructive and leading role he played in building modern India, this timeline of events is of great help.
The book talks about the crowning achievements of the man in drafting the constitution of India, and the uplifting work he remained loyal to, all his life.
The author has added a genealogical table of the Ambedkar family, Ambedkar’s educational career, a list of his basic writings and a bibliography. This chronology will serve as one of the best reference works to those who are interested in Dr. Ambedkar’s influence on the advancement of the downtrodden.
The book talks about the crowning achievements of the man in drafting the constitution of India, and the uplifting work he remained loyal to, all his life.
The author has added a genealogical table of the Ambedkar family, Ambedkar’s educational career, a list of his basic writings and a bibliography. This chronology will serve as one of the best reference works to those who are interested in Dr. Ambedkar’s influence on the advancement of the downtrodden.
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First published November 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 6, 2021
This is the one and only authentic biography read and approved by Dr. Ambedkar himself and this biography didn't disappoint me as it is truly the authentic one as it shapes the great personality of Babasaheb Ambedkar as what he was and what he became. Dr. Ambedkar's life has always been of great interest for me and getting hold of this biography is a treasure for me as I'm a great admirer of Dr. Ambedkar and his life.
Dr. Ambedkar is not just the Father of Indian Constitution who with tremendous knowledge and great acumen gave the constitution to our country but he is the one who uplifted his fellow human beings out of their helplessness who were treated despicably as Untouchables, in the words of Babasaheb " Untouchables had put to worst sufferings by caste Hindus worst than the negroes as negroes were atleast employed as slaves but untouchables were not even to be employed anywhere for any work." Dr. Ambedkar held that religion is the religion of his people which upheld the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as the leading light and hence he adopted Buddhism which has Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as it's basic tenets as his religion along with scores of his people as their religion.
Dr. Ambedkar was towering intellect with whom only few stand along with him in their intellectual abilities even at present. What made him the great personality is the sufferings he went through being an untouchable not only as a child but during his life and these humiliations made Dr. Ambedkar the Messiah of untouchables. Lastly this is the book which has to be read carefully as it is more than capable to change a readers way of thinking of which myself is an example.
Dr. Ambedkar is not just the Father of Indian Constitution who with tremendous knowledge and great acumen gave the constitution to our country but he is the one who uplifted his fellow human beings out of their helplessness who were treated despicably as Untouchables, in the words of Babasaheb " Untouchables had put to worst sufferings by caste Hindus worst than the negroes as negroes were atleast employed as slaves but untouchables were not even to be employed anywhere for any work." Dr. Ambedkar held that religion is the religion of his people which upheld the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as the leading light and hence he adopted Buddhism which has Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as it's basic tenets as his religion along with scores of his people as their religion.
Dr. Ambedkar was towering intellect with whom only few stand along with him in their intellectual abilities even at present. What made him the great personality is the sufferings he went through being an untouchable not only as a child but during his life and these humiliations made Dr. Ambedkar the Messiah of untouchables. Lastly this is the book which has to be read carefully as it is more than capable to change a readers way of thinking of which myself is an example.
July 21, 2018
It really took me long time to read and digest this book, and I was interested since long time to read and understand Dr Ambedkar. Dr Ambedkar is father of Indian constitution, and he was a social revolutionary of his time who basically helped oppressed people in India.
The book tries to give a brief glimpse of his life starting from his younger years to his last years where he converted to Buddhism. The only issue I have with book is that it is a bit dry, and just gives one event after another in Dr Ambedkar's life.
It could definitely could have been made more interesting, but nonetheless this book should not be missed by any Indian.
The book tries to give a brief glimpse of his life starting from his younger years to his last years where he converted to Buddhism. The only issue I have with book is that it is a bit dry, and just gives one event after another in Dr Ambedkar's life.
It could definitely could have been made more interesting, but nonetheless this book should not be missed by any Indian.
March 22, 2013
Ambedkar cannot be summarized in just one biographical book, but this one does a lot of justice to it. For those who wish to get introduced to the phenomenon of Ambedkar, this is a nice first step to start with.
May 3, 2020
It’s a very well written book with lots of references and speeches. After searching for good book on dr. Ambedkar, I ended up on this and I am glad.
May 22, 2017
Probably the most exhaustive book on the leader, however, unfortunately extremely shoddy writing. The book at most times reads like a diary but the genius of the man makes this an extremely enjoyable read nevertheless.
Ever since I had read his speech in Makers of Modern India, I was curious to know more about the man. His intellect and passion throbbed through the speech and this book gives an idea about where it all originated from.
Babasaheb Ambedkar, born as an untouchable, managed to climb the biggest posts through sheer hardwork and determination. What struck me was his insatiable thirst for knowledge which he tried to quench by reading trunks of books regularly. By being an example, he showed his people that they could achieve whatever that they set their minds to and it was the unjust Hindu society that tried to take away their basic human rights. I haven't come across a person who was so objective in his life and his lazer eyed focus on bringing economic and political rights to the Dalits accelerated the upliftment of the masses.
During the struggle, he was at constant war with Gandhi and the Congress, both of whom he considered as hypocrites since they always tended to give away grounds to the Muslims but denied the same to the untouchables who in many respects needed it more. For example during the round table conferences and later, Gandhi agreed for separate electorates for Muslims but refused to provide the same concessions to the Dalits while he claimed to be their messiah. Gandhi's philosophy when dealing with the aspect of Dalits was that the caste Hindus should feel guilt from within and throw themselves in to the service of the Dalits. He denied the dalits from being part of the dalit upliftment societies that he setup. On the other hand, Ambedkar believed that dalit upliftment societies could achieve their goals only if they were run by the people who belonged to that class. He wanted dalit societies to be run by dalits since they understand their troubles better than anyone and push them to grasp political power. Ambedkar believed that the Congress was made up of hypocrites, on one hand they claimed to care about the untouchability problem but at the same time allowed membership to high caste people who humiliated them daily.
Ambedkar was a strong force of opposition to Congress who were required to be kept in check and prevented from making bad policies. It is still not clear how Ambedkar came up to be the chairman of the constitution drafting committee (except for the fact that Nehru invited him) considering how often he was at loggerheads with the Congressmen. It is however clear, that there was no one who deserved it more. For several long periods, he was the sole person attending the meetings of the drafting committee while all the other members had gone on leave or had given up the task. Ambedkar being a nationalist, when time came, would always stand for the nation. As he mentioned, if he had to choose between the nation and the cause of his people, he will always choose his people but if he had to choose between the nation and his self, he will always choose the nation.
In spite of being harassed his entire life for being an untouchable, he still believed in religion as a force that was essential for the society. However, his complete abhorrence towards the Hindu religion led to his long search for a new religion that he could take up. He dabbled with Islam, Sikhism but ultimately decided on Buddhism which he converted to in the last years of his life.
There is no bigger force that helped the upliftment of the dalits, bringing millions of people out of misery. He was a chief driver behind laws abolishing untouchability, reservation for the affected and the Hindu code aimed at transforming women rights and dalits to name a few. Ambedkar's life needs to be discussed more in Indian schools. Jai Bhim!
Ever since I had read his speech in Makers of Modern India, I was curious to know more about the man. His intellect and passion throbbed through the speech and this book gives an idea about where it all originated from.
Babasaheb Ambedkar, born as an untouchable, managed to climb the biggest posts through sheer hardwork and determination. What struck me was his insatiable thirst for knowledge which he tried to quench by reading trunks of books regularly. By being an example, he showed his people that they could achieve whatever that they set their minds to and it was the unjust Hindu society that tried to take away their basic human rights. I haven't come across a person who was so objective in his life and his lazer eyed focus on bringing economic and political rights to the Dalits accelerated the upliftment of the masses.
During the struggle, he was at constant war with Gandhi and the Congress, both of whom he considered as hypocrites since they always tended to give away grounds to the Muslims but denied the same to the untouchables who in many respects needed it more. For example during the round table conferences and later, Gandhi agreed for separate electorates for Muslims but refused to provide the same concessions to the Dalits while he claimed to be their messiah. Gandhi's philosophy when dealing with the aspect of Dalits was that the caste Hindus should feel guilt from within and throw themselves in to the service of the Dalits. He denied the dalits from being part of the dalit upliftment societies that he setup. On the other hand, Ambedkar believed that dalit upliftment societies could achieve their goals only if they were run by the people who belonged to that class. He wanted dalit societies to be run by dalits since they understand their troubles better than anyone and push them to grasp political power. Ambedkar believed that the Congress was made up of hypocrites, on one hand they claimed to care about the untouchability problem but at the same time allowed membership to high caste people who humiliated them daily.
Ambedkar was a strong force of opposition to Congress who were required to be kept in check and prevented from making bad policies. It is still not clear how Ambedkar came up to be the chairman of the constitution drafting committee (except for the fact that Nehru invited him) considering how often he was at loggerheads with the Congressmen. It is however clear, that there was no one who deserved it more. For several long periods, he was the sole person attending the meetings of the drafting committee while all the other members had gone on leave or had given up the task. Ambedkar being a nationalist, when time came, would always stand for the nation. As he mentioned, if he had to choose between the nation and the cause of his people, he will always choose his people but if he had to choose between the nation and his self, he will always choose the nation.
In spite of being harassed his entire life for being an untouchable, he still believed in religion as a force that was essential for the society. However, his complete abhorrence towards the Hindu religion led to his long search for a new religion that he could take up. He dabbled with Islam, Sikhism but ultimately decided on Buddhism which he converted to in the last years of his life.
There is no bigger force that helped the upliftment of the dalits, bringing millions of people out of misery. He was a chief driver behind laws abolishing untouchability, reservation for the affected and the Hindu code aimed at transforming women rights and dalits to name a few. Ambedkar's life needs to be discussed more in Indian schools. Jai Bhim!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2011
Excellent book on life & mission by Dr Ambedkar
September 4, 2024
“Jaat Paat Puche Na Koi, Jo Har Ko Bhaje So Harka Hoi” – Sant Kabir Das
(No one asks caste and creed, who serves the divine, reaches the divine)
In current times, apart from different ideologies, every political parties want a piece of Ambedkar. PM Narendra Modi says that he became the Prime Minister after born to an untouchable family, because of Ambedkar’s struggle. After backstabbing and insulting Ambedkar during his lifetime, the Congress is shamelessly using Ambedkar’s name to divide Hindu votes on the basis of castes. The Communists, whom Ambedkar termed as his enemies, are now using Ambedkar’s name to colonialize the youth. So, there is a need of an authentic biography that will correct all biases. This book can be used for this purpose as this was read and approved by Babasaheb himself. (Although some ultra-knowledge people doubts its authenticity as they know more than Babasaheb himself about him!)
So, the origin of the caste system detailed by the author as suggested by Ambedkar, that the Varna system which was based on profession, later consolidated itself with birth-based caste system (of course by the advent of the invaders because the word ‘caste’ is not indic in origin). The other theory of Buddhist people denying to stop eating beef is not reasonable as Buddhism does not preaches violence to innocent animals and according to Ambedkar, the cow protection ritual of Hinduism originally came from Buddhism. So according to me, the end of birth-based caste system can be achieved only by decolonialization.
There are many facts mentioned in this book that will shatter the theories of the Bhim-Mim gang. I will not discuss them here, because otherwise this post will be a rebuttal post instead of a book review. I am requesting all of you to read this book and find out those facts. But the incident, where Ambedkar and his companions were attacked by a Muslim, calling them “Dheds” (Islamic term for untouchables) should be mentioned. Another fact that should be mentioned is Ambedkar clearly said that although he had quarrels with caste Hindus, he will support Hindus if there will be any civil war between the Hindus and the Muslims.
This is a very good quality of biography that gives every detail of Ambedkar’s life. This man used his times to gain knowledge. Ambedkar’s love for books is highly adorable. His fight for equal rights for the depressed classes is highly motivational. There are many facts unknown to today’s people, are mentioned in this book, that makes it highly readable one.
(No one asks caste and creed, who serves the divine, reaches the divine)
In current times, apart from different ideologies, every political parties want a piece of Ambedkar. PM Narendra Modi says that he became the Prime Minister after born to an untouchable family, because of Ambedkar’s struggle. After backstabbing and insulting Ambedkar during his lifetime, the Congress is shamelessly using Ambedkar’s name to divide Hindu votes on the basis of castes. The Communists, whom Ambedkar termed as his enemies, are now using Ambedkar’s name to colonialize the youth. So, there is a need of an authentic biography that will correct all biases. This book can be used for this purpose as this was read and approved by Babasaheb himself. (Although some ultra-knowledge people doubts its authenticity as they know more than Babasaheb himself about him!)
So, the origin of the caste system detailed by the author as suggested by Ambedkar, that the Varna system which was based on profession, later consolidated itself with birth-based caste system (of course by the advent of the invaders because the word ‘caste’ is not indic in origin). The other theory of Buddhist people denying to stop eating beef is not reasonable as Buddhism does not preaches violence to innocent animals and according to Ambedkar, the cow protection ritual of Hinduism originally came from Buddhism. So according to me, the end of birth-based caste system can be achieved only by decolonialization.
There are many facts mentioned in this book that will shatter the theories of the Bhim-Mim gang. I will not discuss them here, because otherwise this post will be a rebuttal post instead of a book review. I am requesting all of you to read this book and find out those facts. But the incident, where Ambedkar and his companions were attacked by a Muslim, calling them “Dheds” (Islamic term for untouchables) should be mentioned. Another fact that should be mentioned is Ambedkar clearly said that although he had quarrels with caste Hindus, he will support Hindus if there will be any civil war between the Hindus and the Muslims.
This is a very good quality of biography that gives every detail of Ambedkar’s life. This man used his times to gain knowledge. Ambedkar’s love for books is highly adorable. His fight for equal rights for the depressed classes is highly motivational. There are many facts unknown to today’s people, are mentioned in this book, that makes it highly readable one.
Read
September 8, 2019An educating experience
A simple reason to like the book is language itself. The Marathi of the author is from an older generation but still gripping enough.
The more important point the book makes is opinions of great men are malleable and not rigid. When we want to understand the stand taken by great men, one has to understand the context, situation and intentions behind the stand.
Secondly the richness of material and it's handling by author is stunning because the canvas to be painted is quite large and complex.
As a follow up, an enthusiastic reader can also read, Ambedkanche Antarang by D N Gokhale.
A simple reason to like the book is language itself. The Marathi of the author is from an older generation but still gripping enough.
The more important point the book makes is opinions of great men are malleable and not rigid. When we want to understand the stand taken by great men, one has to understand the context, situation and intentions behind the stand.
Secondly the richness of material and it's handling by author is stunning because the canvas to be painted is quite large and complex.
As a follow up, an enthusiastic reader can also read, Ambedkanche Antarang by D N Gokhale.
January 4, 2024
This biography of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar stands out as the best I've read so far. The storytelling approach captivates the reader, maintaining interest throughout. While all significant life events are covered, my slight dissatisfaction arises from the absence of any mention of one of Ambedkar's greatest inspirations, John Dewey. Nonetheless, the book is a masterclass, leaving nothing to be desired. The emotions conveyed by the author in the final chapters resonate deeply. It deserves a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
February 28, 2020
The book is certainly a detailed one. But first reading of it gives me a impression that it is written by Hindu Nationalist. Although i would recommend that everybody should read this book, and still this book was reviewed by Dr.Ambedkar himself so all perspective presented might be true. But to get more clear insights by my man Ambedkar himself i have decided to read his complete Writings and Speeches.
June 15, 2017
very good book....very much informative....books narrates every struggle of Babasaheb's and every untouchables life and also tells how he overcame all that was opposite for his goal. It also clears that he not only fought for untouchables but also did tremendous contribution for making india a perfect republic through his work in making of constitution of india.
July 9, 2018
India and Indians both have failed dramatically to understand the real and fearless Dr Ambedkar
The man of words The Indians still don't know him exactly what was his contribution towards countries development in social and economical aspect.
To Know him is to read him One of the best biographies of Dr Ambedkar (1891-1956)
The man of words The Indians still don't know him exactly what was his contribution towards countries development in social and economical aspect.
To Know him is to read him One of the best biographies of Dr Ambedkar (1891-1956)
July 9, 2018
India has failed dramatically to understand the real and fearless Dr Ambedkar
The man of words The Indians still don't know him exactly what was his contribution towards countries development in social and economical aspect.
To Know him is to read him One of the best biographies of Dr Ambedkar (1891-1956)
The man of words The Indians still don't know him exactly what was his contribution towards countries development in social and economical aspect.
To Know him is to read him One of the best biographies of Dr Ambedkar (1891-1956)
December 28, 2021
The life of Dr B R Ambedkar is very inspirational for all Indians especially for women like me who are achieving new milestones in career as well as personal growth . He was a visionary leader with
a burning desire for emancipation of women & all Indians who did not get their social rights due to some bad cultural traditions. I salute to the Father of Indian Constitution.
a burning desire for emancipation of women & all Indians who did not get their social rights due to some bad cultural traditions. I salute to the Father of Indian Constitution.
May 1, 2020
THE FATHER OF MORDEN NATION
DR.BABASAHEB.AMBEDKAR
DR.BABASAHEB.AMBEDKAR
May 29, 2020
Great book. One and only authentic book on the life and works of Ambedkar . Dhananjay Keer' s biographical masterpiece.
December 7, 2020
A great person in the world
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 23, 2022Jai bhim Jai bharat
March 15, 2023
Babasaheb himself has admired the author for this biography. What else do I need to tell?
April 15, 2023
Classic! What a man. Deeply deeply inspiring ✨
April 20, 2020
The only book read and signed by Dr.Ambedkar on his own life .
1.Gives a different perspective to look at the indian freedom struggle , at gandhiji and congress as whole .
2.Questions fundamentals of religion, nationalism , universalism .
3.The magnanimous stature of Dr and his unending quest to know more and more is thrilling ....such that he read a book and wrote some pages for his upcoming treatise on buddhism hrs before he died .
Overall a must read .... abundance of motivation.
1.Gives a different perspective to look at the indian freedom struggle , at gandhiji and congress as whole .
2.Questions fundamentals of religion, nationalism , universalism .
3.The magnanimous stature of Dr and his unending quest to know more and more is thrilling ....such that he read a book and wrote some pages for his upcoming treatise on buddhism hrs before he died .
Overall a must read .... abundance of motivation.
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November 8, 2016Very informative, thoroughly researched book. Unbiased and neutral assessment of the life of the legend. Bold enough to point out mistakes also. A must read for anybody who wishes to read about the great leader.
Currently reading
June 30, 2013Good
February 25, 2015
Great work by BABASAHEB for all of us
August 13, 2019
Great !!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews