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Ambedkar: India’s Crusader for Human Rights
It is rare in human history when one man's life changes the destiny of millions. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was one such remarkable leader.
An untiring crusader for human rights for the oppressed untouchables of India, Babasaheb, as he was fondly known, strove throughout his life to purge from society the evil of prejudice and injustice against his fellow brethren. Having suffered humiliation in his early years purely on the circumstance of his birth in a lower caste, Babasaheb Ambedkar became the voice of redemption from oppression for millions of his fellow men.
From a humble background, he overcame many challenges to get a degree in law in the UK, and went to Columbia University in the US, where he imbibed a deep sense of justice and equality. After India's independence, his commitment to equality and freedom was enshrined by his work in the framing of the Indian Constitution as one of its principal architects.
Babasaheb Ambedkar's hope of equality and tolerance in society remains as yet an unfulfilled dream in modern India. In the telling of the story on the life and times of this great icon of free India through this beautifully illustrated biography, Campfire aims to renew the spirit so dear to Babasaheb Ambedkar's heart of a just and tolerant India.
An untiring crusader for human rights for the oppressed untouchables of India, Babasaheb, as he was fondly known, strove throughout his life to purge from society the evil of prejudice and injustice against his fellow brethren. Having suffered humiliation in his early years purely on the circumstance of his birth in a lower caste, Babasaheb Ambedkar became the voice of redemption from oppression for millions of his fellow men.
From a humble background, he overcame many challenges to get a degree in law in the UK, and went to Columbia University in the US, where he imbibed a deep sense of justice and equality. After India's independence, his commitment to equality and freedom was enshrined by his work in the framing of the Indian Constitution as one of its principal architects.
Babasaheb Ambedkar's hope of equality and tolerance in society remains as yet an unfulfilled dream in modern India. In the telling of the story on the life and times of this great icon of free India through this beautifully illustrated biography, Campfire aims to renew the spirit so dear to Babasaheb Ambedkar's heart of a just and tolerant India.
176 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 27, 2022
AMBEDKAR was an essential biography about the life of Bhimrao Ambedkar, social reformer, Dalit activist, and Father of India's Constitution. The book traces his entire life, from early awareness of caste consciousness and his academics, as well as his time studying in the US and UK, to his service as a Jurist and Cabinet Member in the government.
I particularly liked the details about the Dalit Buddhist movement, his push for Dalits and other "Depressed Persons" to convert to Buddhism, from the Hinduism that subjugated them for millenia.
Fascinating to see Ambedkar's absolute dedication to the cause, which put him at (respectful) odds with Gandhi and Nehru and many other anti-colonial/ nationalist leaders.
I particularly liked the details about the Dalit Buddhist movement, his push for Dalits and other "Depressed Persons" to convert to Buddhism, from the Hinduism that subjugated them for millenia.
Fascinating to see Ambedkar's absolute dedication to the cause, which put him at (respectful) odds with Gandhi and Nehru and many other anti-colonial/ nationalist leaders.
October 26, 2020
I have read books on Dr. Ambedkar, both in graphic formats and biographies. This campfire graphic book is an art treat with its illustrations and its content. For first time readers, this will surely make an adequate impact for them to read more on Dr. Ambedkar and his work. Not just a crusader but a true father to millions of deprived and as the last line goes in the book, the fight still goes on.
January 12, 2022
amar chitra katha font <3 good book. i need to pick up ambedkar's own work soon methinks but for an introduction to his life's work this was solid
October 8, 2019
Excellent illustrations and gripping storyline.
January 13, 2025
My library was giving away this graphic novel from their collection so I decided to give it a read. I knew very little about Indian politics (aside from broad strokes about Ghandi and the struggle for independence) so it was very interesting to learn about another important political figure. I didn’t realize that there were such a large number of untouchables or the extent of the legal discrimination that they faced.
I found the debates about reserving by a certain percentage of government positions especially interesting. And also the large scale political actions around legal access to water. Untouchables had been legally granted the right to access water from community wells (but faced de facto violence from other villagers when they attempted to access this water). So there were several actions where they accessed this water en masse. Also the discussion around falling into line with India’s main nationalist party to work for the goal of home rule vs working towards abolishing the caste system. It was interesting to read about the fights between different politicians who had different priorities around this issue.
I was also fascinated by the discussion of how the Hindu religion had created and underwritten the caste system (and how as a result Ambedkar went through a process of thinking through which religion untouchables could convert to as a group where they would be more empowered and valued). There were many parallels with American history (with which I am much more familiar).
One criticism I have of this book is that (particularly in the early parts) it skips suddenly from one scene to the next with no transition. Several times I turned back a few pages to make sure I hadn’t skipped a page because the transition was so abrupt.
I found the debates about reserving by a certain percentage of government positions especially interesting. And also the large scale political actions around legal access to water. Untouchables had been legally granted the right to access water from community wells (but faced de facto violence from other villagers when they attempted to access this water). So there were several actions where they accessed this water en masse. Also the discussion around falling into line with India’s main nationalist party to work for the goal of home rule vs working towards abolishing the caste system. It was interesting to read about the fights between different politicians who had different priorities around this issue.
I was also fascinated by the discussion of how the Hindu religion had created and underwritten the caste system (and how as a result Ambedkar went through a process of thinking through which religion untouchables could convert to as a group where they would be more empowered and valued). There were many parallels with American history (with which I am much more familiar).
One criticism I have of this book is that (particularly in the early parts) it skips suddenly from one scene to the next with no transition. Several times I turned back a few pages to make sure I hadn’t skipped a page because the transition was so abrupt.
September 23, 2022
Completed this almost in 2 sittings. This is one of the most inspiring stories I've ever read of a freedom fighter. Babasaheb Ambedkar was not a human he was walking ideology. The story highlights his zeal, passion and perseverance to reform the lives of downtrodden or depressed classes of India was commendable. The book is filled with inspiring quotes said by Dr B.R. Ambedkar and each one of them will fill your heart with patriotism, respect for the man and love for your country. Reading the story of Ambedkar Sahib has made me more proud than I was before reading about my country. I feel honoured to be born in the same country where a man of such repute was born. This book gave me the answer to my question that why Bhimrao Ji is considered God in the homes of depressed classes.
The graphical book is awesome, the illustrations presented provide a very good picture of every scene which is happening in the story. The illustrations alone were enough to keep me hooked on the book. This is my third CampGraphic novel and I feel each one is better than the other.
This is a must-read for every person who is aged above 12 or mature enough to understand the practicalities of the political arena during the freedom struggle.
The graphical book is awesome, the illustrations presented provide a very good picture of every scene which is happening in the story. The illustrations alone were enough to keep me hooked on the book. This is my third CampGraphic novel and I feel each one is better than the other.
This is a must-read for every person who is aged above 12 or mature enough to understand the practicalities of the political arena during the freedom struggle.
May 23, 2023
This was an excellent read! I am grateful to be able to explore an era of history. I knew about WWII but not from India’s perspective. We are all evolving and it’s beautiful to see the change over time. It makes the world a much bigger but beautiful place. It really puts Ghandi in a different perspective. I wish that they touched more on the life of the untouchables but other than that it was a great read! Highly recommend for like a young teen. It’s a great book when looking for a role model but a reminder to take care of yourself. Which is an excellent lesson I am still learning 😅. I hope to be even half the leader they were. It made me more grateful to be educated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2021
Absolutely amazing book! I looked up the people in the book after I finished reading it and I must say the illustrations do immense justice to the faces, expressions, and sentiments of everyone represented. In-depth read of the life of BR Ambedkar, something I didn't expect of a graphic novel but it overdelivered. I'm really happy I went through this book and it makes me want to read other essays and writings of Babasaheb.
February 14, 2021
The art is fantastic and I learned EVERYTHING! I had no idea of what was going on in Indira and it gave me an be interesting perspective that I'll delve into the rest of this year. If you ever want to learn about world history, these type of graphic novels are it! Happy reading. 😎
May 23, 2021
This book is same as the movie “Ambedkar”, I have already seen that movie...every Indian should read this book or watch that film... even today Ambedkar’s point about caste system is very much relevant...
July 18, 2024
Ambedkar is Asia's biggest intelligent, and one of the important revolutionary for lower caste people's lives, this graphic novel tells his life properties very little but good at their important things so this is worth to read
May 23, 2020
A gripping biography that lays bare the perils and hardships of Babasaheb Ambedkar in shaping what the laws and reforms of India are in the present days. A really inspiring read.
December 12, 2020
The illustrations are thoroughly engaging. For someone who is looking to foray into the life and works of Dr. Ambedkar, this book is definitely a good starting point!
January 3, 2021
Highly recommended.
Forget Gandhi, Ambedkar was waaaay ahead of his time and fought for the rights of the oppressed.
Forget Gandhi, Ambedkar was waaaay ahead of his time and fought for the rights of the oppressed.
December 19, 2022
What an excellent primer on a stellar human being who lived his life to his potential and achieved so much for so many.
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December 20, 2025Graphic masterpiece! Very informative and really well drawn. Perfect for any aged person interested in India's independence history (and the big gaps).
January 14, 2023
I liked many things about this biographical graphic novel. I learned a lot about the man and the cultural contexts of the life that he lived, as well as, the political machinations of his time and place (of which he was a part). I liked the use of quotes at the start of each chapter. I liked the art. I was surprised by a couple of things: the choice to write the biography in first person and the choice to not include a photograph of Ambedkar at the end of the book when the photos of numerous contemporaries colleagues were. I did not experience these choices negatively, was simply neutrally surprised. Made me go hmm. Highly recommend. A library borrow (which became overdue because a hold was placed on it and now I owe $2!)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews