Dr. B R Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, India, was a prominent figure in Indian history. As a Dalit (formerly known as untouchable), he faced immense social discrimination in the caste-based society. Despite this, he worked hard to achieve academic success and earned degrees from prestigious universities such as the University of Bombay, the London School of Economics, Columbia University.
Ambedkar was a strong supporter of social justice and equality. As the chairman of the Indian Constitution drafting committee, his efforts were instrumental in ensuring that all citizens would have fundamental rights and equality. His contributions led to the inclusion of clauses prohibiting untouchability and caste discrimination in the Constitution.
In addition to his political work, Ambedkar also pushed for socioeconomic empowerment and education for marginalized groups. He was a social reformer, economist, and jurist, leaving behind a considerable legacy that continues to influence social justice and equality movements globally. Even after his passing on December 6, 1956, his ideas and concepts continue to shape social reforms and policy-making.
Here are some of the quotes which motivate and inspire life and society:
- “Life should be great rather than long”.
- “Be Educated, Be Organised and Be Agitated”.
- “They cannot make history who forget history”.
- “I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity”.
- “If you believe in living a respectable life, you believe in self-help which is the best help”.
- “We must stand on our own feet and fight as best as we can for our rights. So carry on your agitation and organize your forces. Power and prestige will come to you through struggle”.
- “The history of India is nothing but a history of a mortal conflict between Buddhism and Brahminism”.
- “If I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it.”
- “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
- “Every man who repeats the dogma of Mill that one country is no fit to rule another country must admit that one class is not fit to rule another class.”
- “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence”.
- “Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise, both will wither and die.”
- “Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government.”
- “Law and order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.”
- “The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.”
- “A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of society.”
- “Freedom of mind is the real freedom.”
- “I am proud of my country, India, for having a constitution that enshrines principles of democracy, socialism, and secularism.”
- “History shows that where ethics and economics come in conflict, victory is always with economics. Vested interests have never been known to have willingly divested themselves unless there was sufficient force to compel them.”
- “They cannot make history who forget history”.
