Name of the Student: Ankita.

Bhutra

Programme: B.A. LLB ( Hons)

Semester: 1st semester

Course Name: Political Organistaion

Course Code: 5BAL103

Component: Research paper

Date of Submission: 10 November 2022

Submitted to: Prof. Tabassum Sultana

 ABSTRACT
Ambedkar: The man behind the Indian Constitution.
This study talks about Ambedkar’s Role in the making of the Indian Constitution. How
Ambedkar became the father of the Indian constitution and what were his struggles and
contributions? To answer this question, we had to go back to the life story of Ambedkar. To
understand the role of B.R Ambedkar we followed some of his well-versed and popular
writings, his letters, and articles written and published. In order to understand what inspired
Ambedkar to draft the constitution of India we first had to dive into Ambedkar’s ideologies
and thought process.
Ambedkar being born as a Dalit had always faced discrimination as a child which resulted in
him rising up as a fighter for the rights of Dalits (Untouchables as called back then) and this
made him a devoted supporter of Rights and Equality for everyone. This very aspect is
clearly visible in the way our constitution has been designed.
Ambedkar became the 1 law and justice minister of Independent India and then became the
st

chairman of the drafting committee. Ambedkar fought extensively for the economic and
social rights of women and scheduled cast and scheduled tribe people.
To sum up the results of this study we can say the role of Ambedkar in forming the
constitution is immeasurable and humongous. Ambedkar gave our constitution the much-
needed essence of Equality, impartiality, and indiscrimination and it is because of him that
we enjoy all the rights and liberties that we enjoy today. In conclusion to everything said
above we can say that Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in the very truest manner is the Father of the
Indian Constitution.

INTRODUCTION
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born in the form of the great man, on 14th April 1891 at
Mahu a small village in Madhya Pradesh of India. Ambedkar who was also known as
Babasaheb was a Dalit. He was an Indian nationalist, jurist, political leader, and the revivalist
of Buddhism in India. He is infamously known as the chief architect of the Indian
constitution. Born into a deprived untouchable family, Ambedkar spent his whole life battling
against social discrimination, the system of Chaturvarna – the Hindu categorization of human
society into four varnas – 1) Brahmin, 2) Vaishyas. 3) Kshatriyas and 4) Shudras, the Indian
Caste System.
Bhimrao Ambedkar was born to a Mahar Caste, who were considered untouchables. His
father’s name was Ramji Sakpal and he was married to Bhimabai who was from the
murbadkar family. Ramji Sakpal had 14 children and Bhimrao was the 14th Bhimrao, he
started experiencing the pangs of untouchability right from his childhood
Dr. Ambedkar was the most ambitious leader, hardworking person, dutiful, devoted recipient
of the highest degrees, diversely knowledgeable, and knew how to utilize his knowledge for
the welfare of the people. The Maharaja Sayaji Rao of Baroda, gave opportunities to the
progressive untouchable student for higher studies so Ambedkar welcomed the opportunity
and joined Elphinstone College. He received a scholarship and Professor Muller lent him
books and gave him clothes. But the abusive environment never changed. The college hotel
keeper who was a Brahmin often would not give him tea or water. Yet Ambedkar did not
mind such inconveniences and humiliating treatment towards him. He concentrated his whole
energy on his studies and passed his B.A. examination in 1912 in English and Persian as his
subjects. Again, an opportunity came to Ambedkar’s way when the Maharaja of Baroda
thought of sending some students to the U.S.A. for their higher studies at Columbia
University. Ambedkar was one of them. On July 1913, he joined Columbia University as a
Gaekwad Scholar. He was the first Mahar to study in a foreign university. Ambedkar left
Columbia University to join the London School of Economics and Political Science as a
graduate student in June 1916. In October 1916, he was admitted to Gray’s Inn for legal
education. In July 1917, Ambedkar played the role of Military Secretary to the Maharaja of
Baroda with a view to being groomed for the post of the State’s Finance Minister. In
November 1918, he joined as Professor of Political Economy at Sydenham College, Bombay,
and then resigned in March 1920 from his post to resume his studies in law and economics in
London. On January 31, 1920, Ambedkar begin to write a weekly paper Mooknayak (Leader
of the Dumb) to Champion the cause of the Depressed Classes in India. In September 1920,
Ambedkar returned to the London School of Economics and Political Science and entered
Glay’s inn to qualify as a barrister. In London, he met E.S. Montagw, the Secretary for the
State of India, and Vithalbhai Patel, and had discussions with them in respect of the
grievances of the untouchables in India. The University of Columbia honored Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar by bestowing him the honorary degree of LL.D. in New York on 5th June 1942.
He was gracefully honored by the University of, in Hyderabad by awarding the highest
degree of D.Litt. on the 12th of January 1953. Thus, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar obtained B.A.,
M.A., Ph.D., M.Sc., D.Sc., Bar-at-Law, LL.D., and D.Lit. the highest degrees. These degrees
contributed to growing the respect, glory, and dignity of the Shining Personality of Dr.
Ambedkar.

LITERATURE REVIEW
The research paper talks about Dr. Ambedkar’s life and his vision. How he contributed to
India and how he became the father of the Indian constitution. The paper goes on to discuss
his views on state and democracy and his support for social democracy. The topic has been
previously discussed by several others in publications, books, and articles.
The books referred during this research are
Dr. Dhyanraj Kashinath Gaikwad ‘Rajwansh’ – The Miraclous Great Man’ – Dr. Bhimrao
Ramji Ambedkar – This book talks about the life and journey of Ambedkar and enlightens us
on his education and childhood.
Veridemder Grover, Bhimrao Ramji Ibid., Mirac.: A Biography of his vision and ideas. – This book
mainly discusses upon Ambedkars vision and ideologies and what influenced it.

G.S. Lokhande, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar – A Study in Social Democracy.—This book

contains ambedkars ideas on social democracy and his views on the state and distribution of
power.
Apart from this many quotations are taken from Ambedkars direct speech and letters.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Idea Of Social Democracy| Countercurrents

India: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Idea of Social Democracy | South Asia Journal
The articles refered by me in the completion of my research were mainly focused on how
Ambedkars ideology of democracy influenced the drafting of our constitution.

UNDERSTANDING LAW POINTS

The Constituent Assembly established a "Drafting Committee" on August 29, 1947, with
seven members, including Dr. Ambedkar, to prepare the constitution of independent India. As
soon as the Indian Constitution was written, Pandit Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
considered inviting and advising Sir Guor Jennings, a renowned constitutional specialist of
the era, as they got started. Gandhiji is said to have responded when asked for guidance on
the situation by stating that they had Dr. Ambedkar, a renowned legal and constitutional
expert within India, who should be given the responsibility they sorely needed because he so
richly and appropriately earned it.
Dr. Ambedkar, the law minister, was chosen to lead the committee responsible for drafting
the law. The seven members of the "Drafting Committee," including the chairman, were as
follows:
1) Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
2) N. Goipalswami
3) Ayyas Alladi Krishnaswami
4) K. M. Munshi
5) Saijio Mola Saadulla
6)N. Madhava Rao, and
7) D.P. Khaitan.
Gradually, Dr. Ambedkar received honors. He received recognition as a Constituent
Assembly member at the outset. He was honored as the first "Law Minister" of independent
India at the second step and as the "Drafting Committee Chairman" in the third. All because
of his brilliant personality, extensive knowledge, and expertise, as well as his intense and
extensive research capability.
He was adamant that social justice must exist before political freedom can guarantee either
social unity or national integration. Being a democratic socialist, he spread the idea that
without social democracy, people's fundamental rights are essentially meaningless.
One of the few Indian statesmen and politicians who actively participated in constitutional
talks from the Montford Reforms (1919) through the Cabinet Mission (1946) suggestions was
Dr. Ambedkar.
The struggle of the depressed classes for Human Rights and socio-political equality from the
1920s to the 1950s of the 20th centuries is woven around his name since he was the first and
primary leader of the depressed classes. Dr. Ambedkar, who was chosen as the Drafting
Committee's Chairman, was crucial in determining how the structure of the government and
the formation of the constitution.
The Round Table Conference was a landmark event in the history of the Indian Constitution.
At the very first session of the Round Table Conference, he gave a clear admonition to the
British Government, saying:
“I am afraid it is not sufficiently realized that in the present temper of the country, no
Constitution will be workable which is not acceptable to the majority of the people. The time
when you were to choose and India was to accept is gone, never to return. Let the consent of
the people and not the accident of logic be the touchstone of your new Constitution if you
desire that it should be worked…”
He supported a government that was responsibly formed by the representatives of the people.
Dr. Ambedkar did not want to impose and levy a Constitution on the Indians.
“The best government rests on the people, and not on the few on persons and not on
property, on the free development of public opinion and not on authority”.
According to his conception of federalism, the State was a federation in everyday life but
unitary in times of emergency and crisis. A strong centre was created.
Dr. Ambedkar strengthened the Center by granting it additional authority in the Draft
Constitution. Some members of the constituent assembly criticized him, claiming that since
Dr. Ambedkar advocated for the rights and values of every person as well as the advancement
of every region and hamlet, strengthening the Centre would be in conflict with such beliefs.
Dr. Ambedkar argued that he created provisions for a powerful central government in part to
"rescue minorities from the misrule of the majority" and also because "it is only the center
which can labor for a common aim and for the general welfare."
The "Fundamental Rights" set forth in the Draft Constitution were upheld in a court of law.
Dr. Amebedkar deemed "Equality of Opportunity" to be the most significant of all rights. In
terms of constitutional remedies, he refers to Article 32 as the Constitution's very heart and
spirit.
For him, establishing equality and freedom would be essential to reforming our social
structure, which is so rife with injustices, discrimination, and other practices that go against
our fundamental rights.
The state's constructive responsibilities to its citizens were laid out in the Directive Principles
of State Policy. The purpose of the Directives was to uphold the social and economic
democracy that was guaranteed by the provisions of a written Constitution's fundamental
rights.
Dr. Ambedkar said:
“What is called Directive Principles is simply another name for Instruments of instructions
to the legislature and the executive…as to how they should exercise their power.”
The Constitution is a living document that should adapt to the nation's changing needs and
circumstances as well as evolve with them. Dr. Ambedkar, therefore, pushed for the need for
amendment.
Dr. Ambedkar had his doubts about the legislators' constitutional viability. He, therefore,
sought to have the Constitution include the means of government.
“The Draft Constitution has eliminated the elaborate and difficult procedures such as a
decision by a convention or a referendum. The power of amendment lies with the
legislatures, Central and Provincial …”
CONTENT
In contrast to other philosophers who prefer to sit back and contemplate, Bhimrao Ramji
Ambedkar was a man of action. He was a leader of minorities and the oppressed in addition
to being a teacher, activist, lawyer, economist, anthropologist, and philosopher.
Throughout his entire life, he battled for each person's self-respect and human dignity.
He was a leader who left a legacy of progress for the rights and obligations of the majority of
underprivileged people.
A fervent advocate for democracy, Bharat Ratna Babasaheb. However, he believes that a
simple political democracy does not determine the boundaries of the same. Our Constitution
also reflects this similar spirit. He viewed democracy as the whole development of the human
soul.
Ambedkar urged the Constituent Assembly in his final speech (on November 25, 1949) to
work toward a social democracy in addition to a political one. It was evident from his own
comments that he was apprehensive.
– “Political Democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of Social Democracy”.

What does this Social Democracy genuinely imply for Ambedkar, then?
It represented a way of life for Babasaheb that regards liberty, equality, and fraternity as its
guiding ideals. They are a union of the trinity and must not be separated from one another or
viewed as separate beings. Without this trinity, democracy is otiose. Democracy is a way of
"associated life," not a system of governance, whether it be a presidential system or a
parliamentary one. The phenomenon of associated life is an expression of shared experience,
goals, and values that occurs without coercion. The trajectory of the entire process becomes
undemocratic and destructive if a small segment of the population is permitted to profit off
the cultural emblems of society. Therefore, it is important to look for the origins of
democracy in social interactions and the shared experiences of the members of society. State
socialism should be a part of parliamentary democracy, which can thwart tyranny or the rule
of a selected few. Ambedkar was utterly convinced that the democratic ethos constituted the
ideal social structure, one that fosters the development of socially adept individuals.
According to Babasaheb, social democracy as a whole has been thwarted by the differences
in Indian society. His criticisms of political democracy stemmed from the antiquated notion
of schisms that have existed for centuries.
 CONCLUSION
We must not overlook Dr. Ambedkar's contribution to Indian democracy. He provided our
nation with the structure of a fully sovereign, democratic, and republican system based on the
adult franchise while serving as head of the Constitutional Committee. As a pioneer of social
justice, Baba Saheb Ambedkar's name will be immortalized in golden letters in Indian
history. This is an undeniable reality. He was not only the father of the Constitution and the
man of maturity; he was also the architect of social justice and the uplifter of the oppressed.
He was one of the selected few sons in Indian history who can be considered a gift to the
cause for Indian independence. If Mahatma Gandhi provided guidance and moral lessons,
Baba Saheb provided shape to the social aspect without exploitation.
Dr. Ambedkar highlighted a crucial distinction between freedom and power. More people
today are embracing his views. Political insiders have portrayed him as a "god" to the
populace, despite the fact that he was opposed to "hero-worship."
The glorification of Ambedkar has undermined not only the fundamental principles of social
justice and equality but has also sparked subversion, division, and stagnation. In terms of
political and social democracy, India's post-independence duality portrays a depressing trip.
Babasaheb's ideas have been silently pushed to the margins by the communities in power and
expertise. Yet wherever the democratic ideals of equality, liberty, and fraternity are
suppressed, he is present.
He advocated for democracy and was anti-caste in the truest meaning of the word. He
devoted his entire life to helping the underprivileged, abused, untouchables, and
disadvantaged classes. Therefore, Dr. Ambedkar clearly made a significant contribution to
the Indian Constitution. And hence He truly merited the title "father or Chief Architect" of
the Indian Constitution.